Funding opportunities still available to give Warwickshire children a smart start!
The Smart Start programme is calling on community groups, charities, social enterprises and local projects from across Warwickshire to apply for a share of its community grants fund before the deadline of 11th November.
£250,000 is available to small community-based projects in Warwickshire. The fund will support local creative ideas and grass-roots activity which enables 0-5 year old children to get the best start in life and improves school readiness. This could be anything from small stay and play groups, through to healthy eating programmes or emotional support initiatives.
The grant can be provided in a one-off payment up to £2,500 for each initiative or projects can join together in a joint bid to receive a larger amount. In order to bid for the funds projects must address one or more of the following priorities:
- Access to learning activities
- Access to play and learn areas and equipment
- Improving the health and wellbeing of children aged 0-5 and their families
- Activities helping to develop parent-child bonding and attachment
- Activities which help children to develop self-help and social skills
- Activities which help parents develop skills to interact with their children and support their development
- Initiatives that support most vulnerable families with 0-5s, including those with special needs, living in isolation and/or from poorer backgrounds.
Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Chair of the 0-5 Strategy Group said “This is a great opportunity for community projects in Warwickshire to receive the funding they need to make a real difference to young children and their families to help to improve school readiness.”
Cllr Les Caborn, Portfolio Holder for Health explains “We are very keen to hear from small organisations and groups who wish to apply for funding to deliver projects that will support the development and lives of our youngest residents. “
Cllr Richard Chattaway of the Labour Group said “This community grant fund will support new ideas for grass roots activities and ensure that best projects are given the head start they need to support Warwickshire families with 0-5s.“
For more information on the Smart Start programme or to apply for a community grant please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/smartstart or email smartstart@warwickshire.gov.uk
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