READING Borough Council has announced that it has awarded £100,000 worth of grants to marginalised residents in Reading.
Twenty-five organisations supporting inclusion and connectivity for some of the town’s most marginalised residents are set to receive grants to help them with activities and day to day operations.
As part of the Small Grants Fund, the council invited bids for the grants based around community-led activities which break down barriers of prejudice, language, and culture.
The council is seeking to raise awareness and understanding of individuals and communities who may otherwise be overlooked.
The council received 70 bids from groups and organisations, with 25 being selected to receive funding either individually, or in partnerships with one another.
Organisations set to benefit from grants include the Bengali Cultural Society, which sought funding to support their 10th anniversary Autumn Festival.
Funding has also gone to Berkshire Vision, which will use it to fund a number of courses to dupport those newly diagnosed with sight loss.
Autism Berkshire, Progress Theatre, RABBLE Theatre, Sport in Mind, Thameside Primary School, and the Weller Centre are also due to receive funding from the scheme.
Council Llader Jason Brock said: “The range of groups and organisations across Reading which will benefit from this first phase of funding showcases Reading’s unique blend of diverse and thriving communities which make it such an incredible place.
“That’s something we are hugely proud of, but we also know diverse communities can have divergent challenges, which is why the Small Grants Fund is so important.
“The money will contribute towards breaking down the barriers which are sometimes evident in society.”
Liz Terry, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Corporate Services and Resources, said:
“The list of projects and the benefits the funding will bring to both individuals and these communities across Reading is truly heart-warming and I really look forward to hearing more about the difference they have made to people’s lives over the months to come.”
A second round of applications is set to open for organisations later this year, also totalling £100,000.
