Council to provide £100,000 in grants for local community activities across the East Riding.

£100,000 in grants available for local community activities across the East Riding.

The ‘Do it for East Yorkshire’ (DIFEY) community fund has reopened for applications. East Riding of Yorkshire council are offering grants between £1,500 and £5,000 for local groups, with applications opening on Monday 13th January.

Voluntary and community groups as well as town and parish councils will be able to apply for funding. The grants are specifically allocated towards supporting community activities that improve health and well-being, access to local resources and reduce social isolation. Charities, youth groups, community sports groups, and churches providing communal activity can also apply for DIFEY grants.

Applications can be made around themes of supporting cultural and heritage activities, community projects, infrastructure improvements to increase accessibility, and improvements that ‘design out crime.’

A variety of activities can be funded such as events and festivals, lunch clubs, purchases of small equipment for project activity, and a contribution towards energy costs for welcoming place activities.

One organisation that has benefited from the DIFEY community fund is Pocklington Arts Centre, which received almost £4,500 to hold a weekly singing group. The centre built upon the success of a previous Warm Space Community Café project, to bring the community together. The project also worked with partner organisations to offer an inclusive dementia-friendly welcome.

Since coming to the singing group, residents like George and Elaine have been able to sing and meet new people. This has helped improve their mental health and feel part of the community. They said: “Singing makes you feel really good! We hope this project continues in the future.”

The Singing for Fun project also allowed residents to volunteer to help others gives back to the community and help others.

By volunteering, Phil and Jenny have improved their wellbeing and sense of belonging in the local community. They said “The best thing is looking at the reactions and joy on people’s faces and seeing them make friendship groups.”

Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader said “We’re proud to support voluntary groups across the East Riding, and its fantastic to see their work in bringing communities together. I encourage interested groups to find out more about the Do it for East Yorkshire scheme and get involved if they are eligible.”

This fund is to help support new or additional activity rather than activity that already exists, and organisations that have been awarded a grant from March - December 2024 are not eligible for additional funding in this round.

Organisations can find out more about the DIFEY fund and submit Expression of Interest forms at Do it for East Yorkshire 

Interested organisations can also attend online individual sessions, to answer questions and provide guidance about applications. The sessions will be held on Thursday 23rd January, Wednesday 29th January, and Thursday 6th February. They can be booked via emailing localgrowth@eastriding.gov.uk with preferred date, organisation name & location. Please note these sessions will be offered on a first come first served basis.

Organisations can find advice and guidance about setting up as an organisation, having appropriate governance in place, running events can be found at https://howtodoitforeastyorkshire.org/

For more information or support with your application please contact localgrowth@eastriding.gov.uk or contact your Ward Councillor https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/councillors-and-members-of-parliament/ward-councillors/

Visit https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/grants-and-funding/finding-a-grant/ to see what other monies could be available to fund your project, or visit East Riding 4 Community, the community funding support website for the East Riding area: https://www.idoxopen4community.co.uk/er