Posted on 15th Mar
Thirteen local good causes have been awarded grants in the latest distribution of the Mayor’s 500 Fund in Mansfield.
Among the successful bids, totalling £6,100, were Mansfield Harriers Athletics Club, Thoresby Bands and 2nd Manfield Woodhouse Guides.
Another seven good causes made successful applications to the Robin Hood Lottery Community Fund, which shared out a total of £4,000.
They included Quarry Lane Boxing Club and St Patrick’s Primary School Parent Teacher Association.
The Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: “We had many worthwhile applications to the 500 Fund so it was really difficult to choose which should benefit.
“Priority was given to new ventures and those which have been affected in some way by the pandemic. We are advising those which were unsuccessful to have another go next time we look at bids.
“Mansfield is fortunate to have so many community groups. Their work is invaluable and I am proud to support them.
“I would also urge people to sign up to play the Robin Hood Lottery each week. As well as helping local good causes each week you also stand a chance of winning a prize, too.”
The Mayor’s 500 Fund was set up after the Mayor pledged to give away 30 per cent of his annual allowance to local good causes. So far, he has donated £17,878.
Applications to the 500 Fund can be made three times a year. It is administered by a council finance officer and applications are approved by a panel of officers and the Mayor.
News of when applications will re-open will be made via the council’s Facebook page and on the council website at www.mansfield.gov.uk/
Groups, associations and individuals can apply for up to £500 to support projects in their area. The funding can be used for revenue and capital but it must bring direct benefit to the community. The grant can be used for things such as running costs and technology, materials and events.
The Robin Hood Lottery Community Fund is shared out twice a year from money that is accumulated through ticket sales.
From each £1 ticket sold, 10p goes into the community fund. An additional 50p from each ticket goes to the fund, too, if players nominate it as their chosen charity.
Grants of up to £2,000 can be made from the fund and there are no limits of how many times a good cause can apply.
They can be used for anything from one-off expenditure on buildings and equipment and things like staging performances, exhibitions and publications, to help with rent and room hire, office costs, utility bills, training, transport and employee salaries.
More details and an online form to apply can be found at www.mansfield.gov.uk/
To play the Lottery, sign up online at www.robinhoodlottery.co.uk.
The successful bids to the Mayor’s 500 Fund were:
– Nottingham Community Housing Association Mansfield (£500) for its work in the district
The successful bids to the Robin Hood Lottery Community Fund were:
– Green Frog Entertainments (£1,000) for fire alarms and lighting when able to return
