£760K boost for good causes in the Vale
Two good causes providing information and advice for residents in the Vale have been awarded £760,000 this month.
Vale of White Horse District Council has given support to Oxfordshire South and Vale Citizens Advice (£460,000) and Vale Community Impact (£300,000) through their Partnership Grant scheme.
The Council recognises the pressures on organisations due to the cost-of-living and other day to day pressures on individuals and families resulting in an increased demand for their services. This funding allows the organisations that have been successful in their bid to have financial support through the council for the next five years.
Debbie Watts, Chief Officer at Oxfordshire South & Vale Citizens Advice said: “We are thrilled to have received the Partnership funding from the Vale of White Horse District Council. A five-year funding commitment enables us to plan ahead and develop our service to ensure it is fit for the future. It demonstrates a commitment to delivering essential services in the district and we thank the Council for their tremendous support.
“We really value the collaborative partnership we have with the Council. It enables Citizens Advice to make a profound impact on the lives of our clients; helping anyone to access free advice and find a way forward, whatever problem they face.”
Graham Beith, Chairman of Vale Community Impact said: “The Vale Community Impact team is very pleased that the Vale continues to recognise the on-going work it does in supporting people in need across the district.
“With the level, and complexity, of demand ever increasing, particularly during the Cost-of-Living crisis, residents are relying on our charity’s help more than ever. The long-term funding being offered by the Vale is truly appreciated as it provides a robust and resilient platform for us to continue to support residents in need, which makes a real difference.”
The grant scheme opened for applications in July 2023 and officers and council members on the Partnership Grant Panel then reviewed the applications and assessed them toward the end of last year. The funding awarded will be given in staged payments during the five-year period (2024/45 to 2028/29).
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council said: “These organisations make a huge difference in our communities, and it is important that we can support them through the Partnership Grant to enable them to continue this vital work that they do helping residents with a range of life’s challenges across the Vale.”
As part of the application organisations were required to show that they were actively exploring partnership or collaborative working with other voluntary organisations and were responsive to local and national issues, so services are provided in the most effective and efficient ways for people.
They also need to show their commitment to the climate emergency and demonstrate what support they offer residents in this area.
The Partnership Grant Scheme is one of a number of ways in which Vale of White Horse District Council supports good causes in the district. The White Horse Community Lottery launched by the council in 2021 and is free for local organisations to join and enables them to raise funds that go toward helping our communities and environmental projects in the Vale.
