Newhaven community groups can apply for £40k fund

Groups in Newhaven can apply via the Sussex Community Foundation for a Community Fund on behalf of Newhaven Enterprise Zone until January 5.

The fund is to support organisations which “benefit the Newhaven area” with a decision on the chosen recipients to be made in March.

There will also be two further rounds in May and September.

Corinne Day, programme director at Newhaven Enterprise Zone said: “As the cost-of-living crisis continues, we know our community groups need a cash boost to support their important work now more so than ever.

One of Denton Community Challenge’s events (Image: Supplied)

“The fund is here to support charities and not-for-profit organisations which benefit the Newhaven area. We would particularly love to hear from groups which encourage a sense of place and build on the thriving community.

“Groups which encourage community participation, address inequality, raise aspirations and develop opportunities for people in Newhaven to be more actively engaged are also high on our list of priorities.”

Among the groups to benefit last year was the Denton Community Challenge, a much-loved feature on the Newhaven social calendar with almost 70 stalls since it began in 2012.

It received £1,000 towards the cost of staging the affordable day out with sports activities together with rosettes and a burger for children taking part.

Tricia Gostock, secretary of Denton Community Challenge Committee, said: “We would like to thank Newhaven Enterprise Zone for their support. We are so grateful for all donations we receive, no matter how big or how small.

“The money we receive in grants enables us to subsidise the day for local families with activities such as a bouncy castle, climbing wall and bungee trampolines at a fraction of the normal cost.

“The grants also go towards all the basic running costs of the event, such as hire of the community hall, bar and music licences and insurance.

“I would encourage any local group or charity to apply for this funding. It is easy to do and it really helps us provide an amazing community event – and they could too.”