Individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for a share of Community Chest funding.

Individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations who run activities, buildings or spaces for the benefit of local people in West Lancashire, are invited to apply for a share of the Community Chest funding.

The Community Chest Grant awards funding of up to £500 to eligible third sector voluntary, non-profit making and community organisations to help support them with costs such as equipment, facilities, services, and training. Individuals aged 18 and under can also apply for a grant to help achieve their personal goals fund trips and competitions, and to support talented athletes to pursue their careers in sport.

Councillor Anne Fennell, Portfolio Holder for Communities said "It's important that everyone in the Borough can access their full potential in the work they do in the community. Our Community Chest grant offers individuals, community groups and not-for profit organisations across the Borough the opportunity to apply for financial support to achieve their personal goals and strive for success in their hobbies.

"If any individuals, community or voluntary organisations based in West Lancashire are looking for funding to support projects that meet the criteria, please do get in touch with our Member Services team and submit an application.”

In previous years, the Community Chest has awarded grants to a variety of groups including Brownies and Guides, Veteran's Associations, Church Groups and health and wellbeing groups with the support. Most recently, the Community Chest Grant has supported Clay Brow FC, a Skelmersdale based football club with 38 teams from U5s to open age. Clay Brow FC successfully applied for a grant of £500 and the funding has been used to provide each child in their Milan Under 10s team with the correct sportswear to be able to play safely, and to provide the necessary equipment to enable them to play their matches.

Earlier this year, Georgia, who is a 14-year-old up and coming showjumper from Halsall, used the Community Chest Grant to pursue her dream. Georgia has been riding since the age of four and was ready to step up the levels to national and international show jumping. Georgia successfully applied for a £500 grant to pursue her show jumping dream with her horse Annie and competed in Trailblazers, the highest level of unaffiliated competition held at Addington Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire. To show her thanks of the Council's support, Georgia has the Council crest embroidered onto Annie's saddle bags.

If any individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations would like to know more information about the Community Chest Grant visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/communitychest. The deadline for the next round of applications is Friday 17th November 2023.