COMMUNITY and voluntary groups in Sandwell are to be offered the chance of winning a share of over £300,000 to promote good causes in local areas.

A report to next week’s council cabinet is expected to approve a recommendation for funding for Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) to run its Vision 2030 Community Grants Programme.

Groups will be able to apply for £5,000 to support projects that benefit the community under a two-year £311,000 funding scheme.

Cllr Maria Crompton, deputy council leader, said the move will help promote youth activities, healthy lifestyles and build community links.

“We have such a thriving community and voluntary sector in Sandwell, with groups doing good things for our residents”, she said.

“For groups that have plans to do something new or that need a small amount of funding to get started, this will be a great opportunity.

The money will be in addition to the £900,000 SCVO has paid out to local community groups on behalf of the national charity, the Esmee Fairbairn foundation 

A report to cabinet members says the scheme has already attracted interest from  groups such as the Brandhall Baby Bank which helps struggling families by providing free second hand baby equipment. 

Cllr Crompton, added: “Previously, the council administered our small community grants and we now want to empower the community and voluntary sector to lead on these.

“So, we’re handing over the running of small grants to SCVO along with the funding we’d set aside for community grants for the next two years.

“SCVO is well placed to run a community grants programme with a simpler process that will be easier for community and voluntary groups to access.

“SCVO can also support groups to make the most of their grant funding and develop their plans for future.”

The council is proposing £155,500 of grant money per year in 2020/21 and 2021/22. 

Councillors will discuss the proposal at the council’s cabinet meeting on 26 February.