Local Network Fund

Bedfordshire RCC		Local Network Fund for Children and Young People
Location	Bedfordshire and Luton
Dates	Deadline for applications: The next deadlines are 22 November 2005 and 7 February 2006.
Aims	Objective of the funding opportunity: The fund is looking to support new activities or projects that benefit children and young people aged between 0 and 19. Projects must fall under one of four key themes: ~ Aspirations and experiences - helping children and young people to achieve goals that they would otherwise be unable to achieve ~ Economic disadvantage - helping families to improve their living standards and cope with difficulties that come from being on a low income ~ Isolation and access - helping children or young people who may feel isolated or alone, or who have difficulty accessing services that are available to other young people (for example children in rural areas) ~ Children's voices - giving children and young people the chance to give their opinions and advice on matters that concern them
	It aims to help the following client groups:
	Young People
FRESA priorities	The funding opportunity fits with the following FRESA priorities:
	Top priorities: Young people and career choices	High priorities: Future labour force
	More information on the FRESA The following labour market factsheets contain evidence to support bids for this funding: Young people and career choices
Eligibility	Eligible Organisations: Any organisation It is not necessary to be a registered charity but organisations must have a constitution, a bank account, a committee and a child protection policy. Lots of support and advice on putting a child protection policy together is available, and it is possible to apply for funding before the policy is completed (although the funding will not be received until the policy is in place).
Accreditation	Organisations must have the following accreditation to bid: No accreditation is needed
Amount available	Funding available: Grants of up to £7,000 for one year or up to £12,000 for a two year period can be awarded. The Fund will give preference to activities where they are funding it all or the vast majority of it.
Previous bids	Examples of successful projects include: - An after school club for children with learning disabilities, which has been able to open a Saturday club - A group working with refugees, asylum seekers and their children, who have been able to start a computer club - One group who is now supporting young people in rural areas to develop provision for other young people
Application	How to apply for this funding : For an application form and guidance notes call the national call centre on 0845 113 0161 If you have any questions about the scheme or would like to chat informally about a potential project, contact Steve Madden at Bedfordshire RCC (See below)
Contact	For further information contact:
	Steve Madden Bedfordshire RCC Tel: 01525 878171 stephenm@bedsrcc.org.uk http://www.bedsrcc.org.uk/Local%20Network%20Fund.htm
Weblinks	Other useful websites: Bedfordshire Funding Advice Bureau - http://www.bedfordshirefunding.org.uk/ Every Child Matters - http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/strategy/localnetworkfund/