Curo has supported community projects across the South West with 33 grants totaling £11,838. The grants have helped fund diverse activities from communal meals to school play equipment, from sprucing up shared areas to fun gala days. But all projects share the goal of bringing communities together.
Bath Community Kitchen used its £500 grant to offer a free three-course meal every Thursday at the Lighthouse Centre in Twerton, Bath. “We use surplus food that we collect from local Morrisons, Eades and Bookers stores,” says Rob Lewis, who helped set up the kitchen. “Our objective is to ensure that people in Bath have access to a delicious, hearty and healthy free meal, at a time when many people are struggling financially. The meals are an important way of reducing social isolation and building community. Plus, by using surplus food that would otherwise go to waste we’re having a positive effect on the environment.”
Twerton Infant School and Nursery received a Curo grant of £500 to help improve their new playground. “We installed a multi-use play structure,” says George Samios, Headteacher. “It’s a house, an office, a fort – whatever children imagine it to be.” The school was also able to install a new covered shelter. “This has proved popular with children who are seeking a quiet place to sit with friends,” says George.
A Curo grant of £250 helped to turn a neglected patch of grass into a shared communal area for sheltered housing residents at St Mary’s Close, Timsbury. “The customers wanted a space that would inspire community spirit,” explains Tricia Weisberg, Livewell Team Leader. “They asked for funding to paint the planters and benches and pay for new plants.” It’s now a place for the customers to get together and have a chat and a cup of tea. “It has joined us all together,” one customer said.
Apply for a Curo Communities Grant
Curo Communities Grants support two types of project.
Up to £250: for those who require a fairly small amount of funding in order to make their activity a success. For example, a group who may require some equipment to enable their activity to function, such as a shed to house garden equipment
£251-£500: for those who require more substantial funds to run a project. For example, sports activities for young people or community fun days.
If you think your community could benefit from a grant, get in touch with us at VoiceBox@curo-group.co.uk or download an application form: www.curo-group.co.uk/get-involved/where-you-live/curo-grants/