Community First Programme
Community First is an £80 Million Government Funded initiative managed by the Community Development Foundation (CDF) supporting communities to come together to identify their local priorities, plan for the future, and develop grassroots activity. The programme will be led and delivered through ward based community panels, each supported by a panel partner organisation.
The Programme aims to:
- Support local projects that improve the quality of life for local people;
- Promote a sense of ownership not only of problems, but of local opportunities and resources;
- Start more neighbourhood groups and revitalise existing groups;
- Introduce a new approach to funding projects – leveraging time, money and other resources – helping neighbourhoods play a leading role in regenerating their area.
It is intended to result in:
- Communities being able to help themselves and others;
- Neighbourhood groups that are better able to express their needs and influence decisions made about that community;
- Neighbourhood groups that are better able to take control of resources needed to make a difference – enhancing confidence, capability and partnership.
Funding Allocations
The allocation of CF resources to Soho Ward is spread over 4 years. It is broken down as a proportion of the total as follows:
Year 1 – 17% – £ 14,060
Year 2 – 25% – £ 21, 223
Year 3 – 25% – £ £ 21, 219
Year 4 – 33% – £ 28, 272
The Soho Community First Panel has committed all of its funds for Year 1 (Please see Projects Supported for a list of projects funded to date) and is now keen to receive applications for Year 2 funding (April 2012 – March 2013). In recommending projects for funding to the Community Development Foundation we are looking at how projects meet the priorities for Soho Ward. Projects are expected to meet one or more of the following priorities:
- Create opportunities for our young citizens to engage in activities, programmes, enterprise and decision-making processes
- Create opportunities for parents and young people to access education, training, volunteering and apprenticeships with our community
- Increase inter-generational and social activities for vulnerable and older adults, reducing isolation and bringing communities together
- Work with partners to enhance the street scene and green open spaces, promoting local pride
- Reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour, and also raise awareness of domestic violence
For further details please see the page – Soho Ward Priorities.
For details of how to apply please see the relevant page on this website where you can download an application form and guidance on how to apply.
The final deadline for applications for Year 2 funding will be:
Friday 23rd November 2012
Soho Ward Birmingham – if your project aims to benefit people living in this area and focuses on the priorities for the ward then it is eligible for funding through Community First.
