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Voluntary Support Sparks Funding still available

Voluntary Support North Surrey Sparks Fund will support communities and enable them to participate and engage in how things are done on matters that impact them and where they live through small scale community-led initiatives in key areas.

“We submitted our Sparks Funding application through Voluntary Support North Surrey in April 2023 to secure the necessary resources for a new initiative. This financial support played a crucial role in launching the project successfully covering expenses such as social media promotion, venue rental and instructor fees.

Thanks to this funding, our classes have experienced remarkable growth and success, prompting us to consider expanding to other areas within the Surrey Heath borough. The positive impact of the funding can be seen in the increasing number of participants and the growing popularity of our classes.” – Sarah Jane Croke, Surrey Heath Age Concern (Surrey Heath)

Areas to be supported:

• Runnymede (focus on Chertsey St Anne’s, Englefield Green West)
• Spelthorne (focus on Ashford & Stanwell South, Stanwell North)
• Surrey Heath (focus on Old Dean area)

The areas of focus are not exclusive and we do have flexibility.

Priority will be given to applications that:

• Invest in resident and community led activity that will benefit local residents and neighbourhoods.
• Will help build community connection and resilience, while mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and increases in the cost of living.

Applications can be made for up to £2,000, although we are open to discussion around larger applications. Apply via our online form or contact us for more information.

“Receiving Sparks Funding made a huge difference for the Runnymede Games Club. We have continued to run our weekly afternoon club for fifty weeks of the year. Those who attend range from those in their 20s to those in their 90s and we cover a wide range of abilities making the club very inclusive. Many of our players come from Englefield Green – a priority area for Sparks Funding.

We have expanded to offering evening sessions and free children’s Games Clubs during half terms and school holidays. Sometimes those attending ask about funding because they are trying to set up their own community activities. I have been able to signpost them to Voluntary Support North Surrey and explain how I went about putting together my funding application. I know of at least one such group that are still operating in their second year thanks to help from Sparks Funding. VSNS have also guided me to the Next Step – forming an Unincorporated Association and applying for longer-term funding.” – Sian Williams, Runnymede Games Club (Runnymede)

“Staines Helping Hands used their Sparks funding to purchase essential equipment and supplies, allowing us to request items of our choosing. The application process was seamless thanks to the invaluable assistance from Voluntary Support North Surrey.” – Mary Ealey, Staines Helping Hands (Spelthorne)