Pitch Your Project, a new approach to grant-making is being tested in Torquay this June by the Big Lottery Fund, which gives the audience the choice over which local groups are successful in their bid to secure up to £10,000 each of National Lottery funding for their projects..
14 groups from across Torbay will be pitching their projects at a unique Dragons Den style evening event on Friday 30th June between 5.30-8.00pm, at Endeavour House, Torquay. The event, which is free to attend, gives the audience a vote on which groups receive funding. It has been organised by the Big Lottery Fund and Torbay Community Development Trust and is one of the first of its kind to be held by the Big Lottery Fund in England. Heading the event will be a panel featuring Kevin Foster MP, Jim Parker from the local press, Cllr Robert Excell and Matt Kelly from the Big Lottery Fund.
Over 30 applications were received from Torbay based clubs, groups and not for profit organisations, demonstrating the high interest in this more informal style funding scheme. 14 have been shortlisted to pitch their project to an audience who will then choose which of the projects should receive National Lottery funding.
Groups pitching for funding are Carer’s Aid Torbay, the Disabled Sailing Association, Grounded, Fort Apache, Totally Teenagers, Friends of Paignton Library, The Crafty Fox, So-Fly CIC, Play Torbay, Torbay Ladies Lounge, Friends of Torquay Library, Ellacombe Community Partnership, Torbay Bravo and Humanity Torbay.
Anyone wishing to attend the event must book a ticket as places are limited. Tickets are free and can be found on the Eventbrite site, or by contacting the Torbay Community Development Trust.
Robin Causley, Community Funding Advisor said of the scheme “Pitch your Project is going to be a wonderful opportunity for the groups involved to tell the world about the good work they are doing in their local area. Torbay has many small groups who can be intimidated by traditional funding applications, this event allows them to potentially access much needed new funding with minimal paperwork involved in an informal and fun way. It will be exciting to see how it goes and who the audience pick!”
James Harcourt, Grant Making Director for England, Big Lottery Fund, said: “This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for local organisations to pitch their projects to us face to face. Thanks to National Lottery players, there is funding available which can bring a positive change to their local communities, as well as support people to overcome barriers, learn new skills and improve lives. We are really looking forward to hearing about the great work that goes on in Torbay.”
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