Community First Programme

The Community First Programme is a Government project for local communities based on Wards. It is set to run for 4 years until 2015 and is managed by the Community Development Foundation (www.cdf.org.uk), to be set up and administered by local people in the form of a panel. The panel will also have to put together a Ward based plan by April 2013. The Panel for Nelson ward is called Nelson Community Panel.

 The funding is to help support new and existing groups to look at the local neighbourhood, establish local priorities and to encourage applications to the panel for community projects that meet the agreed priorities. It is all about improving the quality of life for local residents, and encouraging people to be involved in their community.

 Projects can apply for up to £2500, which must be ‘matched’ by an equivalent amount of resources. This can be in the form of volunteer time (at £11/hr), goods, money or services that are part of the proposal.

 For an application form and guidance notes, please visit the How to get funding page on this website.