[C]ommunities across South Lakeland are being invited to apply for a special grant to help fund new neighbourhood projects.
South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has already awarded more than £1 million for Locally Important Projects (LIPs) and has just launched the 2018 round of funding.
It is open to town and parish councils, individual groups, clubs and organisations who only have a short deadline of January 22 to submit their applications.
Over the past five years SLDC has approved 72 LIPs grants which have helped communities deliver a wide range of initiatives including new play and sports facilities, village hall improvements, parkland enhancements, the installation of rural broadband, the creation and improvement of footpaths and the opening of a community gym.
SLDC’s Leader, Councillor Giles Archibald, is particularly keen to encourage applications from more deprived areas of the district and projects which could help to alleviate social isolation.
“This council is committed to helping the most vulnerable and if anyone has ideas for projects which could improve the quality of life in a neighbourhood which feels overlooked or help the lonely who feel cut off from their family, friends and neighbours, then we would like to hear from you.
“We place great emphasis on localism and partnership working, empowering local people to improve their communities. LIPs grants are incredibly effective in helping to achieve real results. In some cases this money can make the difference between a worthy project succeeding or not getting off the ground at all,” he said.
In the last round of funding for 2017, SLDC received a record number of 40 applications and approved £287,000 worth of grants.
Cllr Archibald hopes to see more applications from parts of the district which have not applied for LIPs funding in the past.
“It is very important that the whole district benefits from LIPs money, with a fair geographical spread of grants awarded in towns and villages across urban and rural areas.
“Many places have their own community champions, individuals who aren’t afraid to throw their weight behind a project and get involved in fundraising.
“We’d like to work with those people and, if their LIPs application is successful, help them achieve great things for their community,” he said.
The LIPs funding is linked to SLDC’s Council Plan priorities for housing, promoting health and wellbeing, the local economy and the environment.
The successful applicants for 2018 funding are expected to be announced in early March.
For more details and to apply online please visit the SLDC website:
