CONGLETON PROJECTS CAN APPLY FOR MARGARET WILLIAMSON’S MEMORIAL FUNDING

Local groups and organisations have until the 28th of March to submit a grant application for the fourth round of funding from the Margaret Williamson’s Fund. The fund was set up in memory of Margaret to support environmental, educational and cultural projects in Congleton.

Margaret helped establish the Congleton Partnership and was a driving force and inspiration behind improving the culture and environment of Congleton. The Margaret Williamson fund was established to support suitable projects and to keep that spirit alive. Grants are made available from the funds generated by the capital in the fund. This year the fund will support around £4,700 worth of projects and applications need to be submitted by the 28th of March.

The Trustees of the Fund are looking award grants to projects which meet one or more of the following criteria:

· Provide opportunities for people to take part in musical, theatrical, literary, performing art, dance, or other artistic activities.

· Provide opportunities for education and awareness of the natural environment, especially amongst young people.

· Conserve or improve the natural environment for the benefit of the people in Congleton & District.

Please note: Projects and beneficiaries must fall within Congleton and District defined as CW12 postcode or 01260 STD Code.

If you have a project or an idea that meets the criteria and you need some financial help to make a difference to Congleton, then please complete the application form by the 20th of March. Online and paper applications can be downloaded from the Congleton Partnership website: www.congletonpartnership.co.uk/projects-finance/current-projects. Paper copies can also be picked up from the Congleton Information Centre in the Town Hall.

There is still an opportunity for companies, organisations and individuals to donate funds to the Margaret Williamson Trust this can be done via the Partnership, contact Cathy.Dean@congleton-tc.gov.uk or tel 01260 270350 ext 7. The capital donated to the fund will sit in a ring-fenced endowment fund within Cheshire Community Foundation, with the income generated used to fund projects.

The trustees will consider the applications early in April and funds will be released later in the month.