Successful Applicants Receive Strathmartine Make it Happen Fund
Twenty-one community groups who are set to bring about positive change in their communities have been named as worthy recipients of the Strathmartine Make it Happen Fund by What Matters to You (WM2U) at a Celebration event at Downfield Juniors Football Club.
The fund is run by local communities for local people and enables families and community groups to set the fund’s priorities and design the funding proposal process for their area.
The Strathmartine panel, named ‘Strathmartine Makes It Happen’, having reviewed all applications, reached the decision to fully support twenty-one projects. In total, £27,550 is now being allocated to support community-driven projects that will make a positive impact in Strathmartine.
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.
Kelly Barnes, a member of ‘Strathmartine Makes It Happen’, 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 Strathmartine Make it Happen Fund 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 The Local Volunteers Group under the auspices of the National Autistic Society, which runs groups in St Marys for children and adults who have been or are going through a diagnosis for autism. Danielle Sharpe from the group said;
Receiving support from the Strathmartine Make it Happen Fund means so much to our group. This funding will allow us to grow our project and reach families in our community, providing vital activities and support for where needed most. It will help us to provide an environment where parents and carers can communicate with others and feel listened to.
What Matters to You is now also seeking panel members for an upcoming funding round in other areas in Dundee namely Coldside and Maryfield. Anyone interested in helping shape local funding decisions is encouraged to get involved.