The Government yesterday launched a £42 million funding initiative to boost the Third Sector during the economic downturn.
The funding package, part of an action plan for the Third Sector developed by Minister Liam Byrne, is designed to specifically target volunteers, charities and social enterprises.
It is hoped the funding support will encourage charities and local voluntary and community groups to continue to do what they do best, despite the recession – offer advice, support and volunteer services in hard-hit areas across the country.
In particular, third sector organisations providing employment advice and mental health and family support services in deprived areas throughout England and Wales will benefit from cash injections. Similarly, social enterprises will receive funds in order to find new, more equitable ways of working and doing business.
Proposed initiatives as part of the funding support include:
- A £15.5 million Community Resilience Fund for local organisations providing services in the most deprived communities in the country.
- A £0.5 million boost for the School of Social Entrepreneurs.
- A £10 million investment in a volunteer brokerage scheme for unemployed people to allow them to gain skills and experience through community-based work.
Speaking about the proposed initiative, Minister for the Third Sector, Kevin Brennan, pointed to the skills and expertise of the sector in helping people work through challenge and change as the reason for such a substantial investment and vowed to help the Third Sector “get stronger now and in the future”, despite the current economic climate.
To download a copy of the action plan and for further information visit:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/real_help_for_communities.aspx
Source: Cabinet Office