The Real Help for Communities Modernisation Fund is now open for applications. Between now and 17 July, frontline third sector organisations with an annual turnover of between £150 000 – £750 000 are invited to apply via the web for a £1000 bursary from the Fund, which is being delivered by Capacitybuilders.

The fund is for organisations primarily engaged in one or more of the following themes of work: wellbeing and health; advice, information and guidance; and loss of income, training and skills. The Local Delivery Agent is Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (cVSF) on behalf of Cornwall Infrastructure Partnersip.

£1,000 bursaries available now -  £10,000 grants to follow

Using their bursary, organisations will be able to buy at least two days of advice and support to explore how they can become more resilient and work more closely with others, including through collaboration or merger.

From the Autumn, £10 000 grants will be available to help organisations that have gone through Phase One of the programme and would like to take further significant steps towards collaboration or merger. To find out more and apply online, please visit the website http://www.modernisationfund.org.uk/

The first batch of bursary awards have now been provisionally approved. Early indications show demand from a range of organisations serving those worst hit by the recession, particularly those providing training and employment support, debt, housing and legal advice and those working to reduce poverty. Demand has been pretty evenly spread across regions and nationally around 275 awards were made in the first tranche.

Remember the closing date is 17 July for Phase 1 and early applications are encouraged. The larger phase 2 grants are only available for those who go through Phase 1.

Please contact: Lydia Billson for more information.