Funding available for good causes in Mansfield

Local groups and good causes can now apply to Mansfield District Council as applications open for three community funds.

New funding awards are open for applications from the Mayor’s 500 Fund, Robin Hood Lottery Community Fund, and Grant in Aid.

Applications are open today (12 February) and the deadline for bids to the Mayor 500 Fund is 25 February. Robin Hood and Grant in Aid applications close on 29 February.

The Mayor’s 500 Fund is a percentage contribution from the Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams’ net salary to provide a cash injection of up to £500 for local groups, individuals, and volunteers to deliver a specific project in the Mansfield community.

There is around £2,000 available in this round of funding, and the money can be used for equipment, promotions, and materials to deliver direct benefits to residents.

Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “I am proud of what we have achieved so far with the Mayor’s 500 Fund, supporting many groups across Mansfield, which is why I am pleased to be opening up applications again.

“You will have two weeks’ to let us know how we can give you a helping hand. I am always overwhelmed by the number of applications received; however, I am pleased that we have two other sources of funding for applicants to apply to, increasing their chances of getting support for their local project.”

Applications to the 500 Fund are approved by a panel of officers and the Mayor. In the last four years, a total of £25,078 has been donated.

Successful candidates previously have been girl guides and scout groups, Help for Heroes, Keep Woodhouse Tidy, and Vibrant Warsop. Due to the volume of applications received, the fund is prioritised for first-time applications that meet the criteria and aims to share out the funding equally among those who are successful.

To find out how applications are determined, the criteria, and how to apply, visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/mayors500fund. Successful applicants will be announced w/c 4 March 2024.

Community and voluntary groups can also apply for two other community grant schemes that aim to provide direct benefits to local residents in the district.

Grant in Aid is a discretionary financial contribution awarded by Mansfield District Council to support the delivery of non-statutory services that contribute towards our priorities.

To be eligible to receive the funding, organisations must either be run on a not-for-profit basis or any profits generated must be used for the benefits of the users or community the organisation was set up to serve. Or, be located or managed within the Mansfield district and provide services or support to district residents.

Apply for grant in aid here.

The Robin Hood Lottery Community Fund is available for local groups, charities, and good causes to bid into to support activities and projects delivered in the Mansfield district and for the benefit of Mansfield residents and businesses.

To be eligible, applicants must be an established charity, group, or support/advisory service; be based in Mansfield; deliver direct benefit to residents and businesses of Mansfield; operate on a not-for-profit basis and profits must not be paid out to individuals or shareholders.

Apply for Robin Hood Lottery Community Fund here.

Applications for these two grants close on 29 February 2024.