At the beginning of March 2021 groups heard about the outcome of their recent applications to THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District. 

Ten local charities from across the Harrogate District were funded, with £37,850 distributed in total. All the groups were given funding for essential running costs, a particular need as many other sources of fundraising aren’t open to local charities right now due to the impact of the pandemic. 

Recognising that it looks like the current COVID19 restrictions will start to be lifted this spring, THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District will re-open in May for applications from local groups wanting to restart delivery of activities and services in the summer.  

Two groups funded in this spring round were Badapple Theatre Company, based at Green Hammerton and Masham Town Hall Community Charity. 

Badapple Theatre Company – a rural touring theatre company based in Green Hammerton received £2980 to help resume live performances once restrictions allow. 

Kate Bramley, Badapple Theatre’s Artistic Director: "We are incredibly grateful for this vital support which contributes to our business overheads and crucially keeps our Youth Theatre services for young people open while we work to rebuild our community events network."

Masham Town Hall Community Charity received £3,852 to support the organisation pay for running costs for 6 months, especially those costs that still occur even whilst closed. In covering these costs, the charity will be in a strong position to re-open once the rules allow.

Nick Reed, Administrator, Masham Town Hall Community Charity: “This grant is vital as it helps us to stay in touch with user groups and hirers as we prepare to reopen. The Local Fund is a wonderful resource as it understands that these costs, while not glamorous, are essential to the running of a small local charity.”

Harrogate Borough Council has contributed £30,000 this year towards THE LOCAL FUND, which together with funding from the Harry Bolland Fund, THE LOCAL LOTTO and other local donors and fundraising means we will be opening THE LOCAL FUND for a second round of applications in May. 

Councillor Sam Gibbs, chair of Harrogate Borough Council’s voluntary and community sector liaison group and LOCAL FUND grants panel member, said: “THE LOCAL FUND provides continuous support for our local voluntary and community sector organisations and charities across the Harrogate district and the residents they support.

“It has been an incredibly tough year for them. And now, more than ever, it is critical these charities receive vital funds to ensure they can exist in the future when life returns to normal.

To find out more about the fund and the grants made please visit https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/fund/tlfharrogate/

THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District has been established to provide grant funding to local community groups and charities across the District. It is supported by a partnership of Harrogate Borough Council, Harrogate & District Community Action and Two Ridings Community Foundation.  It will focus on addressing local need by supporting the work of community groups and charities whose work is dedicated to improving the lives of local people. 

Designed to encourage local giving, it will provide a long-term source of funding support and encouragement to the work of local organisations, regardless of size, tackling social issues that affect local people. 

Further details about THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District and how to apply to be a ‘Friend’ can be found on the Two Ridings Community Foundation website at https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/tlfharrogate or on the HADCA website here