Community Development forms an important part of the Council’s Economic and Community Development team. The main objectives of the team are:

• To work towards successful delivery of the Sustainable Community Strategy
• To work in partnership to develop the Fenland economy and improve local skills
• To develop the capacity of local community to improve community cohesion and quality of life

Our role is to facilitate communities in developing and sustaining their own projects by providing grant aid, support and advice by:

• Support for Parish Plans
• Ongoing support for young people and older people through various initiatives
• Information sharing and signposting
• Developing community engagement, capacity and community cohesion
• Strengthening the community and voluntary sector
• Assisting delivery of the Nene Waterfront, with particular reference to community initiatives
• Improving the vitality and viability of market towns through partnership working
• Contributing towards the successful development and delivery of the Fenland Sustainable Community Strategy

Community development grants for local projects

Available to voluntary and charitable organisations throughout Fenland. Applications will open again in Autumn 2007. Guidance notes for Grants to Voluntary Organisations 20008/09 available on request from sdrew@fenland.gov.uk

Community Development Toolkits:

• Funding Toolkit
• Organisational Development Toolkit

Our services include:

• Grants to Voluntary Organisations - As well as supporting community projects, we organise a range of district-wide initiatives. These include the Community Development Funding Toolkit, Organisational Development Toolkit. Fenland Youth District Council and the Fenland Golden Age Fairs.
• Young People - The district council currently runs:
  • Fenland Youth District Council – a constituted groups of 15 young people drawn from 5 Fenland schools representing the views and opinions of young people throughout the district.
  • Youth Grants Scheme - a rolling small grants scheme for awards up to £500 for projects with or for young people. Application forms are available on request from ydc@fenland.gov.uk
• Golden Age - Fenland District Council offers support for older residents through the Golden Age project.
  • The Council's ground-breaking Golden Age Fairs project provides help and guidance for the over 60s in their own villages. This initiative is the first of its kind in the country and demonstrates that Fenland is leading the field nationally.
  • The aim of this project is to take the services needed and requested by the over 60s to their villages - so providing help and guidance in a social setting, on their doorstep. More information can be found on the Golden Age pages of the Council’s website or from the contact below.