Subject - Voluntary Sector Funding for BME communities

Posted : (Wednesday 12th November 2008 ) By - jess (Registered User)The Manchester City Council has now launched the three year funding programme for BME community and voluntary organisations in Manchester for 2009 - 2012.

As a result of the research into the current needs of BME communities carried out in June in collaboration with Manchester Council for Community Relations (MCCR), we have developed a funding strategy, which is part of the application process for 2009-2012.

To be considered for a grant, you have to meet one or more of the funding priorities. Applications must be returned on or before Monday 15 December 2008.
The funding priorities are:
Black and minority ethnic funding strategy 2009-2012

The funding priorities for Manchester City Council are based on identified community needs and service gaps highlighted by research prepared by Manchester Council for Community Relations (MCCR) and Manchester City Council in June 2008.

Our funding priorities are organised along two broad themes: the needs of newly arrived/rapidly expanding communities and issues of social exclusion where race is the main contributing factor. Each section focuses on specific problems and proposes a framework of types of activity, which can be adopted by the BME voluntary sector in Manchester.

Funding applications should include real and creative strategies to address identified priorities and avoid unnecessary duplication of existing projects and services, and you must show how you have identified the need for your proposals (along with any evidence that you have gathered).

We strongly encourage initiatives that seek to forge partnerships and work in collaboration to strengthen the community and public/third sectors in Manchester. The project proposals will be assessed upon the established needs and the impact on social, cultural and economic wellbeing of BME communities and newly arrived communities in Manchester.

Priority 1: Newly arrived/rapidly expanding communities

* Volunteering, employment or training opportunities for newly arrived communities where mainstream provision is not appropriate or accessible.
* Projects that improve access to mainstream services for newly arrived communities (for example, provision of translated information in relevant community languages that are not available through mainstream translation services).
* Projects that promote cross-cultural understanding and community cohesion.
* Culturally/linguistically specific homework support/clubs and outside school hours services for children.
* Training for newly emerging community groups and organisations that will increase skills and knowledge base with regards to the mainstream provision.
* Projects that encourage parent participation and involvement in the education of their children and improve their capacity to support their learning at school.



Priority 2: Issues of social exclusion where race is the main contributing factor.

The second funding priority is split between a number of areas:

Funding priorities for young people from BME communities

This objective is interested with projects that enhance the quality of life for young people by encouraging participation in sports and other recreational activities at grass roots level. The main focus is on young people from Minority Ethnic Communities in Manchester and a provision of culturally specific projects that are sensitive to their educational needs and improve the overall achievement at school.
o New and creative sport and recreational opportunities for young people.
o Projects that improve participation in community life by creating opportunities to get involved in volunteering schemes, consultation and decision making.
o Non - statutory programmes for young people who show poor performance at school or low retention. Culturally specific and sensitive support through an alternative provision of teaching to young people who have disengaged from mainstream education.
o Youth projects, which specifically address community cohesion and inclusion.
o Community art projects that target young people and promote positive community identity.
o New initiatives with clear crime prevention strategies and outcomes.

Funding priorities for women from BME communities

The following funding priority aims to involve women from BME communities who are currently experiencing exclusion and isolation with the aim to improve their social connections and confidence.
+ Culturally sensitive support for single mothers through user - led groups.
+ Culturally specific education and training programs with suitable childcare provision.
+ Culturally sensitive social and recreational activities to promote and support physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Funding priorities relating to community cohesion

This objective looks at projects that enhance and improve the quality of life for communities experiencing gender/race/economic related segregation and deprivation.
# Wellbeing workshops, advocacy services and culturally specific referral systems.
# Consultation and involvement at the local strategic and decision making levels e.g. networks/community forums
# Projects fostering partnership working in finding realistic solutions to segregation
# Infrastructure and capacity building support to the BME voluntary community sector

Please note my new mobile number
07534 965 605

Elaine Dunne,
Team Administrator
MARIM
(Multi Agency for Refugees Integration in Manchester)
Adult Social Care
Claremont Resource Centre,
Rolls Crescent,
Hulme,
Manchester,
M15 5FS

Tel: 0161 868 0857
Fax: 0161 226 9435

Email: elaine.dunne@manchester.gov.uk
Website : http:/www.manchester.gov.uk