A Funders Fair will take place in Musselburgh next month to help local community groups, charities and social enterprises attract funding to make a difference in their community.
Jointly organised by STRiVE (the Third Sector Interface) and East Lothian Council, the Funders Fair at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh will provide an opportunity for groups seeking funding to speak directly to representatives from funding bodies including the National Lottery Communities Fund.
A recent survey of community organisations operating in the county asked what type of advice and assistance they would find useful. This Funding Fair aims to meet the needs identified through the feedback received from the survey. Both STRiVE and East Lothian Council are keen to encourage collaborative working amongst organisations and explore potential for making joint bids to funders.
Councillor Jim Goodfellow, Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said:
“The council is very pleased to be working in partnership with STRiVE to host this funding event to help raise awareness of the wide range of financial support sources available to assist community organisations in the work they do to improve the lives of people living in East Lothian. The council provides some funding support to community groups, however, there are also many other potential sources of support, which we are keen to see maximised, to help reduce inequalities and benefit people living in the county.”
Tom Shearer MBE, STRiVE Chair, said:
“Many local organisations and groups are struggling with the twin challenges of increased demand for their services against a backdrop of funding uncertainties. STRiVE and East Lothian Council are looking at different ways of trying to support local groups to overcome these challenges including the forthcoming Funders Fair. This event will provide an opportunity for organisations to find out more about the different grants and funds on offer and to talk directly to them about their ideas and proposals.”
The Funding Fair will take place on Thursday, 5 September between 10am - 4pm at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh. For further information please telephone 01875 615423 or email info@strive.me.uk