Funding - The Herefordshire Partnership

Funding

European - Advantage West Midlands (AWM)

European Structural Funds Programmes are targeted at regenerating some of the most challenged urban and rural areas in the West Midlands, and providing support retraining its workforce. The European Union (EU) supports poorer regions of Member States by providing funds to help them regenerate their economies and create new jobs. The four most important funding programmes are known collectively as 'Structural Funds'.

Since 2000 Herefordshire has received around £20m in EU grant funding for a wide range of social and economic projects, and is currently supporting projects as diverse as Action for Regenerating Communities (ARCH), Hereford Learning Village and Herefordshire In Touch (HIT). A new package of European funds (2007-2013) is being assembled which will change how much money is available, which areas can benefit and the types of projects which can be funded. Information is available from the European Commission on programmes which support international partnership work.

The main funds that support work at local and regional level are the European Structural Funds. Herefordshire Partnership participates in discussions to ensure that we make the most of any new opportunities. Contact Vinia Abesamis vabesamis@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 260625

Advantage West Midlands
Advantage West Midlands (AWM) is the Regional Development Agency (RDA) for the West Midlands which was established to transform English regions through sustainable economic development. Its role is to lead economic development, working alongside a range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to help the region to prosper - building strengths and addressing unique challenges.

AWM has an annual budget of £300 + million to invest in the economic development of the region and, at any one time, is managing around 2,500 projects which are changing the lives of people across the region. AWM's key task is to provide leadership for the development and delivery of the West Midlands Economic Strategy - the framework for the region's growth. This enables it to maximise investment and thereby create a far greater impact than could be done in isolation. Herefordshire Partnership has strong links with AWM and acts as a conduit to the County. Herefordshire has received funding through AWM towards a number of high profile projects such as the Hereford Learning Village and the Edgar Street Grid Development in Hereford City.

Rural Regeneration Zone

The Rural Regeneration Zone (RRZ) includes much of the rural areas of Herefordshire, but not Hereford City. The RRZ was set up to bring together partners from the public, private and voluntary sector to develop and implement a programme of economic regeneration for the area. The vision for the Rural Regeneration Zone is that by 2020 the Zone will be a connected rural area with a strong, rural economy, a healthy environment and a rich quality of life for all. A budget of £34 million will be used by the Rural Regeneration Zone over the next three years to improve the quality of life for those that live and work in the rural west of our region. The activities identified to deliver this are set out in the Zone Implementation Plan 2006-09. Contact Vinia Abesamis vabesamis@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 260625

Nexus small grants programme
Nexus is a small grants programme in the RRZ that focuses on improving access to services and facilities for rural communities. With grants of up to £5,000 available, successful applicants will have worked with their communities to identify what services are lacking in order to identify a solution that has clear local support. Contact 01432 261792

Redundant Building Grant Scheme
Redundant Building Grants are provided for the conversion or refurbishment of redundant buildings (i.e. unused or unusable in their current state) to bring them back into productive business use, or to enhance their current business use. One of the key aims of the scheme is the creation of jobs, so the key criterion is that the building will be used for business purposes once the works are completed.
Grants under this scheme are available in Herefordshire. Contact the Redundant Building Grant Programme Manager rbgscheme@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 383616

Project Development and Funding
The Project Development Team offers advice on applications for external funding. It can assist the search for suitable grants for projects, and signpost to other people who may also be able to support the work. If you are planning a project and need assistance, or want help completing an application form, please contact Project Development Team projectdevelopment@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 01432-261793, 260636 or 383058