More than £90,000 channelled into Salford community projects

More than £90,000 has been ploughed into community projects and good causes in Salford during the past year thanks toSalix Homes.

Over 100 local groups and projects received a much-needed cash boost through our Springboard fund during 2018.

The community grant programme enables Salford-based organisations or initiatives to bid for funding to help support projects that boost community spirit, improve the environment, reduce isolation and promote health and wellbeing.

During the past 12 months, grateful recipients have included dance troupes, grassroots football teams, bowlers, computer clubs and community gardening projects.

For many, like Lower Kersal Young People and Community Group (LKYPCG) the funding has proved a lifeline.

The LKYPCG charity, which provides activities and opportunities for hundreds of people across Salford, secured £900 for its Soil and Shed project at Kersal Vale Allotments, which brings together war veterans in Salford.

Thomas Lever MBE who runs the group, said: “Ex-servicemen and women can often feel very isolated after leaving the forces. They sacrifice a lot, risk their lives and lose friends and comrades along the way, so Soil and Shed is the perfect place for them to socialise and reconnect with the armed forces community.

“The Springboard funding makes a big difference to projects like ours and helps us to keep going.”

LKYPCG also benefitted from an additional £1,000 after being voted the first ever winners of the Springboard Heroes Award – which allowed the public to vote for the most worthy project to receive an extra cash boost.

Other recipients included five talented teenage dancers who secured £1,200 to help them realise their dreams and dance on the world stage at the Dance World Cup in Barcelona where they picked up a silver medal.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “In a time of austerity and budget cuts, our Springboard fund has proved a lifeline for many, enabling local good causes to continue the fantastic work they are doing to improve lives and increase opportunities for people living in Salford.

“The scope of projects we’ve supported over the past year has been far-reaching and we are incredibly proud to hand over this well-deserved money which has helped sustain projects and initiatives that are making a real difference in our communities.

“Springboard is now open for 2019, so if you’re a community group struggling for funding or an individual with a great idea to improve your neighbourhood, I’d urge you to apply now.”

Grant applications under £1,000 are approved by Salix Homes’ neighbourhood teams, and any bids over £1,000 are approved by the Customer Excellence Panel.

Click here to apply for a Springboard grantor call 0800 218 2000.