£3 Million Distributed to Cornwall Community Groups Through Council Fund

Nearly £3 million in grant funding has been distributed to community organisations across Cornwall over the past three years through Cornwall Council’s Community Capacity Fund.

A total of 246 not for profit community groups have received support, with grants ranging from £1,000 to £24,999. The funding was made available through a simplified application process aimed at helping organisations that may not have previous experience applying for grants.

The support has reached communities across Cornwall, with a particular focus on smaller rural areas.

Supporting Local Communities

Several community organisations have already benefited from the funding.

The Two Bays Trust in Port Isaac received £9,496 to pay for interactive digital equipment. The equipment will be used to engage teenagers and young adults while highlighting the advantages of coastal conservation and activities that promote both mental and physical wellbeing.

St Pinnock Brass Band was awarded £6,822 to purchase new percussion instruments. The funding will allow the band to extend music tuition for young people in South East Cornwall and establish a dedicated musical youth club.

Meanwhile, the St Austell Tennis Table Club received £21,757 to support its Ping Mind programme. The project uses sports psychology and table tennis to help improve the mental health of children and young people.

Funding for Community Spaces

Elsewhere in Cornwall, Mawnan Parish Council received £14,960 for the Carwinion Playing Field project. The funding will help develop plans for what is described as a vital community asset.

Cornwall Council says the funding has largely supported projects run by volunteers within rural communities.

Council Response

Councillor Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economic regeneration and investment at Cornwall Council, said:

“The funding distributed through the Community Capacity Fund has been aimed at rural community projects, run in the vast majority of cases by volunteers.

“These smaller projects will have a big positive impact for residents in these communities, and it has been good to see the process made so accessible for those not used to bidding for such support.

“I am grateful to everyone who has been involved in the team for making a real difference for residents right across Cornwall.”

The Community Capacity Fund forms part of the Good Growth Programme, which is delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.