FUNDING: new social impact fund for Greater Manchester

Posted by Joe Gardham on October 24, 2011

Not-for-profit organisations providing services of more than local significance across Greater Manchester (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan) may apply for funding for up to a three year period.

Under the Section 48 Scheme, grants awarded will be made for up to a three year period, unless determined otherwise.

There are two funding options:

• Main funding pot for services to deliver against the new criteria. There are no minimum or maximum amounts and applicants should determine how much funding is realistically needed and provide clear evidence of impact and value for money. The budget will be set at the 16 December 2011 Executive meeting.
• Social Impact Fund to deliver services with social impact outcomes. There are no minimum or maximum amounts. The budget is £100,000.

Proposed activities and organisations must meet one or more of the scheme's three main objectives:

• Contribute to the recognition of Greater Manchester locally, nationally and internationally, helping create the conditions to attract new investment, new visitors and new talent.
• Contribute to improving the skills and employability of Greater Manchester residents, encouraging people to fulfil their full potential.
• Play a strong role in developing strong and inclusive communities, contributing to an improved quality of life and well-being for all residents.

Applicants need to demonstrate an excellent record of achievement as evidence of their potential contribution towards achieving the Greater Manchester priorities as set out within the Greater Manchester Strategy, which are as follows:

• Improve the early years' experience.
• Secure better life chances for all, including those living in the most deprived areas.
• Upskill residents.
• Attract and retrain talented people.
• Improve transport connectivity into and within Greater Manchester to support economic growth.
• Expand and diversify the area's economic base through provision of critical infrastructure.
• Enhance the city's residential offer.
• Enhance the international connectivity of the area's businesses through increased inward investment and international trade.
• Secure a rapid transition to a low carbon economy.
• Create quality places which support economic growth.
• Secure effective governance arrangements.

The deadline for applications is 10 November 2011.

Details at: http://www.agma.gov.uk/agma/units_functions/agma_grants_unit/index....