Councillor Pat Jones, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, confirms that the council is keen to support this sector of the district.  She said:  "The 2006 review of the way we offer financial support showed that events and organisations in smaller towns and rural areas were desperately in need of a local funding stream.  That is why we set up this Arts and Heritage fund, which has been very well received over the past two years. 

 

"This district is home to many events that encourage people to get involved in cultural and heritage projects and volunteers man a great number of them.  We want to help them through this third round of funding to continue their good work which brings pleasure to many right across our district as well as encouraging others from outside to visit us."

 

Last year, grants were awarded to community groups around the district ranging from Ripon to Knaresborough and Nidderdale to Masham.

 

Applications can be made from 1 September to 30 September.  Grants will range from £400 to £1000 per application and are intended to help community groups within the Harrogate district to develop new and innovative projects.

 

To learn more about the grants and what they might fund or to request an application form, please contact Leilah Vyner in the Department of Community Services on 01423 556702 or by email leilah.vyner@harrogate.gov.uk

Applications forms are also available at http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/immediacy-4454