The York Community Fund 2013/14 has been launched by Your Consortium to “help fund high-impact projects by community and voluntary groups across the city”.

The fund “brings together a number of existing funding streams from City of York Council for voluntary sector organisations in the city”, and is administered by Your Consortium, a social enterprise specialising in managing grant programmes.

Last year, 14 organisations in York were funded to deliver a range of diverse social projects including establishing a food bank in the city, a project to repair bicycles for those recovering from mental health issues and helping parents with practical help and tips for behaviour management.

The projects’ successful delivery was celebrated at the launch of the 2013 scheme, attended by project leaders from the 2012/13 scheme who picked up information and guidance on how to apply for the next round of funding.

Successful projects will address the themes of:
• Healthy communities
• Engaged communities
• Inclusive communities
• Prosperous communities.

Sue Vasey, Chief Executive of Your Consortium said: “The diversity and energy demonstrated by partners has been extraordinary. We have seen dynamic impact across the city from the provision of advice, the support and celebration of diversity and the co-ordinated delivery of food donations to those in need. We are very pleased that the sector rose to the challenge of delivery and monitoring. As an organisation we believe that the voluntary and community sector is well placed to deliver quality service in a professional and cost effective way and are excited to see the new raft of proposals for the coming year.”