Community Builders - a £70 million fund run by Future Builders on behalf of the Adventure Capital Fund - opens for applications on September 7th. The fund will provide a mixture of grants, loans and mentoring support to community-anchor organisations.

Support available

The fund is made up of three packages:

1. A development package which provides business support and leadership grants of £2,000
2. A feasibility package offering further support of up to 5 days and up to £20,000 for the development of a growth plan, or grants of up to £75,000 and 30 days support for larger projects
3. An investment package made up mainly of loans of between £50,000 and £2 million.

Criteria

Applicants must:

• be based and working in England
• operate for the benefit of a defined neighbourhood
• be locally controlled by local people or representatives of local groups responsible for decision making around priorities, staffing and spending.
• be looking to become more financially independent, and less dependent on grant finance.
• be multi-purpose and provide activities in the areas of social welfare, education, recreation (including culture and sport), environmental activity, economic or vocational services, voice and advocacy and are inclusive of all sections of their community
• be seeking to empower your community through development and community-led action.
• demonstrate how you can empower your community through development and action
• have a track record of providing services to the local community

Exclusions

The fund is not aimed at:

• individuals or companies for private gain
• rescuing failing organisations
• refurbishing local premises where there will be no change in activity or ambition
• single-purpose organisations unless you can demonstrate specific plans to develop into a multi- purpose organisation
• start-up organisations or those that have been in existence for less than a year

More Details

More details are given on the Community Builders Fund website. In particular see the FAQ section.

There will also be a seminar held in London for interested applicants on 20 October 2009 - Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, SE1 9NH (please check the Community Builders website for any changes and further details)