Community organisations in Bournemouth are being invited to apply for funding through Bournemouth Water’s Better Futures programme.
The initiative, launched earlier this year, will distribute £5 million over five years to support people and projects that aim to create long-term positive change. This is in addition to a wider £200 million support programme set up last year by Bournemouth Water’s parent company, Pennon.
The scheme has two areas of focus: hardship funding for individuals and families facing financial difficulty, and community funding for projects that support education, the environment, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Funding is available to schools, registered charities, CICs, and local community groups. Projects must fall under one or more key themes, including protecting the environment, tackling vulnerability, bringing communities together or supporting personal development through education.
The money can be used to help with equipment, salaries for staff working on the project, professional services or training.
Susan Davy, CEO of Pennon, said Better Futures goes further to support those who need it most and shows how the company is backing local communities beyond its core services.
Applications for community funding are now open through Bournemouth Water’s website.