More than 30 community projects are to benefit from a new £1 million Opportunity Fund set up by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.
The first round of grants from the new Mayor’s Opportunity Fund has seen £264,210 awarded to 33 small charities and community groups.
Funding has been targeted at organisations delivering hyper-local activity that supports inclusion, cohesion and resilience in some of the region’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
“I am determined to rebuild our communities, and one part of this is to back those charities who bring people together, tackle poverty and create opportunity for others.
“These first 33 good causes are just a start. Over the next two years we will invest £1m in projects to transform local streets, villages and towns all over the North East.
“This will help the sector thrive, offering support, hope and optimism to people all over the region.”
Mayor McGuinness
The first round of the Mayor’s Opportunity is focussed on bringing together diverse communities to develop strong relationships and thriving neighbourhoods.
It is being delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and Point North which have provided match funding and helped to ensure the fund reaches grassroots organisations in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, County Durham and Sunderland.
Among the successful projects is Full Circle Food Project (FCFP) in Ashington, Northumberland which will use £8,510 to bring together 150 people in ten get togethers over food prepared by each other.
Approximately half of the people supported will be refugees and asylum seekers who are newly integrating into the Ashington community.
FCFP grew out of a six-year project between Hirst Welfare Centre and Northumberland Youth Offending Service and aspires to improve lives of families and vulnerable young people by teaching them how to grow then cook their own food and bring together communities in workshops and shared celebrations around food.
“The Full Circle Food Project has a proven track record of empowering the community to adopt healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
“This funding will support our ongoing work, celebrating Ashington’s rich and diverse cultures.
“I’m excited to bring people together to share knowledge, traditions, and stories — connecting through the universal language of food.”
Full Circle Food Project CEO Michelle Brannigan
“It has been a pleasure working on the first round of the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund.
“Mayor Kim McGuiness clearly understands the value of the charitable sector in the North East and how it supports our communities.
“I am pleased that through our philanthropic funds we are going to be able to support a number of the applications.”
Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Chief Executive Rob Williamson
“The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is exactly the kind of initiative we need more of here in the North East. Not only will it support organisations tackling poverty today, but it has an eye on the future – creating opportunities for people and places, so that anyone facing hardship in our region can look forward to a brighter tomorrow. We’re delighted to work with Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to ensure this fund makes a lasting difference to the people who need it the most.”
Point North Chief Executive Michelle Cooper
The next round of applications to the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is due to open in summer this year.
