Ambitious projects that will help enhance an area of a North Yorkshire town are being offered the chance of significant funding as part of a community grants scheme.
Administered by us but funded by a third party, the Starbeck Community Fund benefits individuals and groups in the Starbeck area of Harrogate.
This year’s fund is now open with applications accepted until 10 August.
As part of the redevelopment of the Morrisons supermarket site on Hookstone Chase, a £300,000 community fund legacy was created for Starbeck’s residents in 1992.
This year, a review of the funding opportunities was carried out and it was agreed that larger grants would be made available to enable more ambitious community projects to apply.
As a result, in addition to grants of up to £400 for individuals aged up to 25 and up to £2,000 for community groups, a new large community grant of up to £20,000 has been added.
In order to be considered, applications for large community grants need to bold in nature and capable of making a lasting impact on recreation or community facilities in Starbeck.
Elected member for High Harrogate and Kingsley, Cllr Chris Aldred, will sit on the awards panel.
He said: “This is fantastic news. These grants will really make difference to the people of Starbeck.
“Whether it’s an individual trying to further their education or a love of a particular pastime or a group with an initiative that will benefit the wider community, I would encourage all those who are eligible to apply.”
Individual applications will be considered towards projects, schemes or courses that help someone pursue activities in education, sports or culture.
Community applications are for the creation or improvement of recreation and community facilities in Starbeck.
Among those who received grants last year was a teenager whose dream of becoming a footballer was cut short by illness.
Liam Pinchen found a new passion in photography and was awarded £200 to help towards designing a website he can use to display his photos taken of nature in his local area.
Additionally, 10 grants were awarded to community groups worth £9,106.
They included Harrogate Neighbours, which received £931 for two desktop computers to give free access to the internet to customers at the community hub and the 23rd Harrogate Scouts, who were awarded £750 for outdoor cooking equipment.
An information session is being held at Starbeck Community Library, High Street, Starbeck, Harrogate, on 16 July where people can learn more, ask questions and get involved. It will take place between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
For more information contact Stronger.Communities@northyorks.gov.uk