COMMUNITY GRANTS AT THE HEART OF ROTHER

BY CLLR DOUG OLIVER, LEADER OF ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL

Iwas delighted this month to hear the news that our very own De La Warr Pavilion is set to benefit from significant funding as part of an Arts Council England’s programme of investment.

The venue is one of eight organisations in East Sussex to secure a share of £8.3million, which will support them over three years.

This will be a real boost for the De La Warr, but the benefits go much further with investment contributing to our visitor economy in the town and surrounding area, helping to secure jobs, ensuring work for our creative freelancers, and bringing great experiences to our residents and visitors.

There are many organisations and groups that rely on securing external funding to continue to provide opportunities, and the available pot is becoming smaller and smaller as finances become tighter.

It’s great, therefore, that once again Rother District Council can open applications for the latest round of the Community Grant Scheme, this time with a pot of around £60,000.

We are very fortunate to have been able to help so many local groups over the years who needed funding to complete projects. These have included projects ranging from upgrading play equipment, creating meeting space for the community, improving access to buildings, and much more.

Community Grants Scheme going, we have to factor in rising costs, increasing demand on services and the ongoing uncertainty around local government funding.

Six months ago, with a lot of hard work from officers and councillors, we were able to launch an initiative to safeguard on board, all they need to do is encourage their supporters to play the lottery. More information can be found at www. rothercommunitylottery.co.uk/support/find-a-good-cause