Bids welcome for housing association's summer holiday fun grants

Sovereign Network Group has launched its Summer Opportunities Fund and has £20,000 to award.

The housing organisation, which provides homes in many locations including the Swindon area, says it will provide grants to community groups to support them in running enriching and completely free summer holiday activities for young people.

Local organisations are invited to apply for microgrants of up to £1,000 to deliver summer holiday programmes within SNG communities, and to be successful the groups and clubs should demonstrate how local people and those living in SNG communities – including children, young people and their families - will each benefit from the activities.

Groups and clubs could focus on delivering a range of fun activities, including those which provide food, advice on healthy eating, educational courses, to crafts and sport, all with the aim of providing a fun environment which spreads opportunity, enhances wellbeing and combats social isolation. 

Special consideration will be given to groups which are focusing on delivering activities for low-income households and children who are eligible for free school meals. 

Stevie Chadwick, Community Investment and Partnerships Manager, said: “The school holidays are a well-known pressure point for some families, and it’s why we’re pleased to be offering grants to groups that want to enhance the lives of young people and their families.   

“We know that community organisations play an important role in supporting our customers and those most in need. With our funding, the opportunities to get involved will be extended to all, regardless of background, and in doing so, more young people will have the opportunity to take part in fun, enriching activities this summer.”

This latest announcement of funding builds on the legacy SNG says it has already created through its programme of community investment, which is designed with customers in mind and to ensure they live in places where they can thrive.  

Previous funding from the housing association has supported a range of children and young people to access activities that they might not otherwise be able to over the summer holidays. 

Applications for the fund will close on Friday 20 June. As part of their application, clubs should demonstrate how the activity or activities they are running will be promoted to SNG customers. Successful applicants will be informed by Friday 27 June.

Details of how to apply can be found at https://app.actionfunder.org/fund/588