Energy network operators, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and Northern Powergrid have announced, in partnership with Leeds Community Foundation, the community projects that will benefit from new funding from their annual joint Community Partnering Fund.
A total of £50,000 is being awarded to grassroots projects and third-sector organisations that deliver pioneering and sustainable programmes throughout the North of England. The grant sits as part of a larger fund worth over £100,000 which is distributed at two intervals throughout the year.
This year’s fund pot was the biggest yet, with six successful projects awarded between £1,000 and £10,000 each, enabling the groups to broaden their support for the local communities in which they work.
From Burmantofts Senior Action CIO in Leeds, which aims to address fuel poverty and improve gas safety in the home, alleviating hardship for older people living in their own homes, to Keighley Association for Women and Children Centre, a project that works with BAME young women at risk of underachieving, to broaden their horizons and aspire to achieve careers which use Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) – the fund supports a variety of important causes.
The full list of winning projects:
- Burmantofts Senior Action CIO, Leeds
- Dial Leeds Ltd, Leeds
- Digital Voice for Communities, Newcastle
- Groundwork South and North Tyneside, Hebburn
- Keighley Association for Women and Children Centre, Keighley
- The Thornbury Centre, Bradford
The successful beneficiaries were all invited to a welcome event, giving them the opportunity to meet with fellow winners and learn more about the work each are doing within the community.
Tom Bell, Head of Social Strategy at Northern Gas Networks, the North of England’s gas distributor, said: “As an active contributor in the community, we’re incredibly proud to be involved with the Community Partnering Fund. The fund originated in 2016 as the Community Promises Fund and by joining forcing with Northern Powergrid was doubled in 2018, enabling more groups to benefit. Over the last few years, we’ve supported numerous incredible projects across the communities in which we operate, each delivered by an inspirational team to support local residents.”
Michelle Cummings, Social Responsibility Manager at Northern Powergrid, which manages that electricity network that powers everyday life across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, said: “Through this partnership, more valuable grassroots projects are getting the funding they need to grow and support the communities we jointly serve. From educational causes to those that serve to protect, we’ve seen some inspiring entries. We congratulate the winners on their success and looking forward to seeing the benefits of their projects become reality. We also hope it will inspire more local groups to apply for funding in the future.”
Kate Hainsworth, Chief Executive at Leeds Community Foundation, concluded: “It is fantastic to see businesses have a hands-on approach with their local communities and utilise their expertise to make a positive difference. We are delighted to be working with Northern Gas Networks and Northern Powergrid to distribute much needed funding to community projects across the North of England who are delivering effective programmes to alleviate fuel poverty and promote interest in STEM subjects. We are excited to follow the progress and see the outcomes of these six projects.”
Naz Kazmi at the Keighley Association for Women and Children Centre, added: “We’re delighted to have received the grant from the Community Partnering Fund. The additional funding will allow us to further our current work, providing longer school-based sessions, as well as offering a visit to a local employer or higher education provider, inspiring more young people in our community.”
The second phase of the programme is now open for applications, where the additional £50,000 will be awarded to worthwhile projects. For more information, please visit: https://leedscf.org.uk/community-partnering-fund-r4.
