Member Article

Funding applications by txt msg

Enterprising Tynedale youngsters have launched a new service offering community groups the chance to apply for grants by text. ID8 has been awarded £43,000 to support local community projects with grants averaging £1,500 to be assessed and approved by a panel of young people. The project is one of a series of projects supported by a programme in the North Pennines and North Northumberland called LEADER+.

The initiative, which is supported by Tynedale Council and Rural Enterprise Action (Reaction), aims to enhance youngsters’ skills in understanding enterprise, identifying and accessing opportunities, evaluating ideas and processes, and their ability to focus on results and measure risks. The panel was determined to ensure that applying for the grants was as simple as possible and launched a new text service for applicants to submit their ideas.

Andy Hugman, Programme Manager with Reaction, said: “ID8 is a brilliant way of encouraging young people to put their ideas into practice. “Since its launch, texts and emails haven’t stopped. It shows that there are lots of young people who have ideas they want to make happen.”

Chris O’Brien, panel member, said: “What really fascinates and excites me is that there are so many great ideas sitting deep inside each of us, waiting to be born – and it’s my aim that as many young people as possible recognise this ID8 project as an invitation to look inside themselves and dream up a project that they can be really passionate about. “ID8 represents a risk-free opportunity to create something new while developing skills and enhancing future career prospects and I urge any young person who has an idea to avoid hesitation and just go for it!”

Applications for funding can be sent (with a name and address) by text to the panel on 0762 481 8548.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .