Charities offered share of £200,000

The South Yorkshire Community Foundation has launched a new charitable fund to provide lifelines to Rotherham initiatives.

Voluntary groups and charities continue to face uncertain times as supporters tighten their belts in light of the spending cuts.

The latest figures from the Charity Finance Directors' Group and the Institute of Fundraising show that nationally charities expect a drop in statutory funding of more than £1 billion over the next year.

The grant pot has been made available after the disbanding of South Yorkshire Open Forum (SYOF) with grants of between £1,600 and £7,500 available to organisations that can make a significant difference in Rotherham.

Moira Cunningham, of SYOF, said that the fund would come as a timely boost.

She said: “Rotherham has an extremely vibrant and dynamic voluntary sector, full of organisations and individuals who are committed to improving our area for those who live in it.

“It is at times like this that it needs a voice and strong leadership to carry it forward.

“As funding becomes ever difficult to find, we hope the SYOF Legacy Fund will come as a boost to worthy initiatives throughout Rotherham and South Yorkshire.”

The South Yorkshire Community Foundation has been delivering grants to groups and projects in Rotherham since 1986.

Pauline Grice, chief executive of SYCF, added: “Due to the experience we have built up almost 25 years of grant distribution and the funds we deliver go straight to the heart of tackling local issues in Rotherham.

“Through SYCF, the fund will be distributed to local groups and projects that form the bedrock of community involvement and grassroots action.

“We are looking forward to inspiring local people to see what they can do to benefit their local area with the help of a vital cash grant.

“We anticipate that the funding will be in extremely high demand and would urge groups to get in touch to discuss their project as soon as possible.”

For more information visit www.sycf.org.uk and go to the Apply for a Grant section or call 0114 242 9000.