Community Fund still open for local organisations

Are you a community group in Birmingham looking for funding? The Peddimore Community Fund, set up by property company, IM Properties, is still accepting applications for grants of up to £2,000.

So far, the fund has helped up to 33 local organisations from a Bingo Club for older and socially isolated people, a Lego therapy club for children, and an innovative digital project to help connect communities.

The fund was established in 2018 to support local initiatives surrounding a major new employment park being created in Minworth, Royal Sutton Coldfield. Managed by the Heart of England Community Foundation, the fund can help with a wide range of projects, from social welfare and health and well-being initiatives to sports, community projects, and formal training and education programmes.

Alicia Grande from The Community Environmental Trust, which received funding to help with activity clubs in the holidays, encourages local organisations to apply.

‘The process is simple and the team at IM Properties and Heart of England Community Foundation are incredibly supportive and regularly get in touch to let us know of additional funding we can apply for and have offered assistance in other areas, such as communications.

“A grant for £2000 makes such a big difference to a charity of our size which is run by a small core team and volunteers. It enables us to expand the opportunities we deliver to young people and provide more enriching experiences to increase their skillsets and understanding of the environment.”

IM Properties is committed to delivering social and economic benefits beyond the boundaries of its schemes as part of its Sustainable Futures framework, setting out intentions and goals for operating a socially responsibly business.

Kerry Amory social value manager at IM Properties adds, “When we first started the fund, we weren’t sure how much of an impact a grant for £2000 would make. We soon discovered, however, that for many of these community organisations doing amazing work to bring better lives to local people, £2000 could go a long way and make a significant difference.

“We have since gone on to help so many local organisations through the fund and we still have more money left to donate. We aim to make the process as simple as possible and would urge local organisations to get in touch with the Heart of England Community Foundation if they are struggling with the application process or need further advice as they are more than happy to support. ”

If you’re interested in applying for a grant from the Peddimore Community Fund, visit the Heart of England Community Foundation website for full details of the criteria and examples of the types of projects the fund wishes to support – www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/peddimore-community-fund/