A number of sources of funding for community projects are available in Sheffield. More information on the key sources is outlined below.
Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) is an additional source of central government funding designed to help local authorities improve quality of life in their most needy areas. In Sheffield NRF provides financial support for a range of themed activities, including the Area Action initiative. It also provides an allocation of funds to each Area Panel that can be used at their discretion to support projects that address local needs and priorities.
Every Area Panel receives an NRF allocation, calculated according to the level of need in a given area and following consultation a Local Action Plan is produced that outlines the proposed allocation of funds.
Sheffield Community Enterprise Development Unit (SCEDU)
SCEDU provides support in the development of sustainable community and social enterprises as part of its commitment to creating successful neighbourhoods and communities.
NUCA
The Netherthorpe and Upperthorpe Community Alliance is a community development trust that aims to improve the economic and social life in the neighbourhood.
Futurebuilders
Futurebuilders is a consortium led by Charity Bank and including the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, the Northern Rock Foundation and Unity Trust Bank. The aims of the organisation focus of reducing the grant dependency of the voluntary and community sector by:
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Offering an investment menu where loan funding is a substantial part of every full investment made
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Only investing in voluntary and community organisations involved or planning to become involved in public service delivery
Key Fund Yorkshire
Key Fund Yorkshire is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), which aims to provide loans and investments to community owned organisations working in disadvantaged communities in Yorkshire and Humberside.
The Key Fund offers an innovative mix of flexible and accessible finance for the development of social businesses. Once the finance is repaid it is subsequently re-loaned and re-invested in the community. In recycling the money the Key Fund continues to break down barriers to access finance and truly enables people and communities to reach their potential.
For more information
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is a good place to start for general advice as well as to identify sources of funding.