Record MIHF funding for Coldside & Maryfield Community Groups.
Thirty community groups who are set to bring about positive change in their communities have been named as worthy recipients of the Coldside and Maryfield Make it Happen Fund by What Matters to You (WM2U) at a Celebration event at Fleming Gardens.
The fund is run by local communities, supported by Dundee City Council Community Empowerment team and WM2U for local people. It enables families and community groups to set the fund’s priorities and design the funding proposal process for their area.
The Coldside and Maryfield Panels, having reviewed all applications, reached the decision to fully support thirty projects. In total, £43,435 is now being allocated to support community-driven projects that will have a positive impact on Coldside & Maryfield.
What Matters to You is supported through an investment from The Hunter Foundation and BBC Children In Need. The Make It Happen Fund is a vital part of the What Matters to You approach and has secured additional funding from The Northwood Charitable Trust, The Robertson Trust, NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation and William Grant Foundation
It was especially inspiring to hear from groups at the information sessions and see them develop their applications with the support of local parents and panel members. We know that this funding will have a meaningful impact, whether it’s providing essential services, creating new opportunities, or simply bringing people together.
Gloria McHugh, a member of the Maryfield MIHF Panel, said;
We’ve seen firsthand the passion and dedication of local groups working to make a real difference in our community. The variety of projects put forward, ranging from activities for young people to support networks for families and wellbeing initiatives, shows just how much creativity and commitment there is in our community.
It was especially inspiring to hear from groups at the information sessions and see them develop their applications with the support of local parents and panel members. We know that this funding will have a meaningful impact, whether it’s providing essential services, creating new opportunities, or simply bringing people together
Geoff Leask, Dundee coordinator at WM2U, said;
The success of the Coldside and Maryfield Make it Happen Funding highlights just how important community-led decision-making is. This funding process isn’t just about distributing money, it’s about empowering local people to have their voice heard in shaping the opportunities and support available in their area.
The engagement from community groups, parents, and local stakeholders has been fantastic. The turnout at the information sessions and the range of applications we received shows that there’s a real appetite for grassroots projects that are designed and delivered within the community and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
One of the groups that was successful in achieving MIHF funding was Hilltown Community Playgroup which plans to relaunch a safe environment for parents to meet with their families and make new friends.
Brooke Brown from the group said.
This funding will help our parents (carers) and children grow in many aspects including building relationships and confidence, being a part of a close community group with our aim being to prevent isolation and loneliness, provide memorable lifelong keepsakes of our children through activity, craft and days out and educational experiences such as book reading and learning.
Parents’ health is also very important to us, and we will introduce more for this in the coming weeks.”
What Matters to You is now also seeking panel members for an upcoming funding round in other areas in Dundee, namely North East and East End. Anyone interested in helping shape local funding decisions is encouraged to get involved.