What Matters to You to bring positive change for Dundee communities with the launch of the Make it Happen Fund
The Make it Happen Fund, a community-led initiative to bring positive change to communities in Dundee has launched today (6th January). The fund is run by local communities for local people and will enable families and community groups to set the fund’s priorities and design the funding proposal process for their area.
Launching today, the fund is encouraging applications from community groups in the Lochee ward, while in Strathmartine, the hunt is on for willing panel members who will take forward the fund in their area.
In Lochee, a group of parents going by the name of the Lochee Takeover, has united to develop the funding initiative for projects in the ward and is calling for parents, families and community groups with an idea to come forward. Projects that benefit the community directly will be considered and could range from a one-off event to a series of ongoing activities, with support available to for costs like materials, catering, room hire, equipment, transportation, utilities and volunteer support.
Meanwhile, in Strathmartine, parents, families and community members are encouraged to become panel members to help decide how funds are spent in their area, directing investment towards projects that may otherwise be overlooked by traditional funding schemes. No experience is needed, and full training will be provided.
With a total of £30,000 available in each locality, the Make it Happen Fund aims to support and encourage local groups by supporting projects and initiatives that create positive change within the community while furthering What Matters to You’s goal of reimagining public services by learning from communities and aligning services to better fit their needs.
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 and William Grant Foundation.
Geoff Leask, Dundee Coordinator at What Matters to You, said;
The Make It Happen Fund is an opportunity to reimagine how funds are distributed to deliver meaningful change for Dundee’s communities. Grassroots initiatives like this empower children, young people, and families to have a voice in their community and strengthen the connections that make our neighbourhoods thrive. I encourage anyone with an idea to attend an information session and explore how this fund can help bring their ideas to life."
Community groups and individuals or those involved with planning and delivery of activities in Lochee, where eligible groups must have an annual income under £20,000, are invited to attend an information session to find out more. Information sessions will be held on:
- 16th January (2 - 4 pm) at Charleston Community Centre
- 21st January (10am - 12pm) at Menzieshill Community Centre
- 28th January (10am – 12pm) at the Lochee Hub.
Ashleigh Beresford, a member of the Lochee Takeover, said:
Being a part of the panel at the Lochee Takeover has been a fantastic experience so far. I’ve learned so much about the power of working together in the community and have gained some valuable skills too. Doing my part to decide where funds are allocated has shown me that you can really make a difference when you work together as a community. I’m looking forward to reading the applications and supporting some important local projects.”
In the Strathmartine ward, applications are open for panel members who will help decide how the funds are allocated in this area. This is an opportunity for parents, carers and families of the community to have a direct say in supporting projects that matter most to them. Panel members will receive full training covering everything from deciding on the fund’s criteria, to the final allocation of funds. An information session for prospective panel members will be announced locally very soon.