Twenty-three projects, each helping to make Ryde a better place to live, work and visit, are the first recipients of Ryde Neighbourhood Board funding under its first community grants programme.
The projects will receive a share of £224,000 of Pride in Place funding following a selection process that assessed around 90 applications.
Successful bids include the refurbishment of the Vectis Boating and Fishing Club HQ, assistance for homeless veterans, a project that will provide early diagnosis of dyslexia, and a scheme that will provide furniture for young people setting up their own homes after leaving The Foyer project.
More money will be given to encourage young people to play music, support the development of sporting clubs in the town, help refurbish Ryde Library, buy a new trailer for Ryde Carnival and introduce new cooking courses at John’s Club.
Click here for a full list of grant recipients can be though please note that this may be subject to final agreements.
The successful applications had to prove they would each make a sustainable improvement to life in Ryde under the themes of community, health and wellbeing, sport, heritage and the arts.
Ryde Neighbourhood Board acting chairman Rachael Randall said: “The board is delighted to have been able to support such a wide range of fantastic projects that will benefit all aspects of life in the town in the coming weeks and years.
“It was a very difficult job to pick the successful projects from so many applicants 90 in all. In light of the huge response to the grant call, we doubled the total grant available in this round from £100k to £200k.
“We would like to thank everyone who applied and assure them that this is just the start of the process. We know many organisations will be disappointed to have missed out this year, but this is only the start. We will run the programme again next year, and those who missed out this time are very welcome to apply again.”
The board is also working on plans to offer a specific grant programme for local businesses with sizeable funds due to be announced shortly. A designated fund for health projects is also being considered.
Rachael said: “The board is reaching an exciting new phase of the Pride in Place programme, as we are now able to begin releasing the funds into the community. Our major grants programme is still open until October 16.”
For further information on Ryde Neighbourhood Board, the Pride in Place programme, and the major grant programme please visit https://rydeneighbourhoodboard.org.uk/
