Funding

Regeneration and renewal funding:
Check your eligibility for government regeneration funding

• Can you get Neighbourhood Renewal funds?
• Can you get area-based funds for a wide range of initiatives on different themes?
• You can find out what area based funding is available in your area by looking at the regional map maintained by the Regional Co-ordination Unit

Funding Stakeholders:
What do Government Offices do?
Where is your Government Office? Download a map
Where is your Regional development Agency Office?
Do you have a Neighbourhood Management team?
Who is your Learning and Skills Council?
How can the Countryside Agency help? Look under 'Rural Communities' & 'Special Projects' in the 'Our Work' section
Is there funding from DEFRA?

Current Consultations:
Be in it to win it - contribute to these government consultations on regeneration and funding:

• FutureBuilders Programme: comment on plans to help the voluntary sector deliver government services more effectively
• E-government: comment on plans to deliver e-government
• Legal structures: comment on the new Community Interest Company or CIC

Could your centre become a Social Enterprise?
There is some interest in the potential of UK online centres to become community-owned social enterprises, trading (selling services or broadband access) to generate revenue, and charging sectors who can afford to pay (eg small businesses who may use the centre's facilities and services). DirectSupport mentors can help with your planning, and advise on sources of information, suitable legal structures, and strategies.

Try the Social Enterprise London site: www.sel.org.uk for useful background and publications, and an active member network at www.can-online.org.uk

Coming soon...
Community Capacity Building Consultation, led by the ACU
Capacity and Infrastructure Strategy, led by the ACU

Collaboration: DirectSupport subscribers can log in to ask our Experts Online to interpret and discuss these opportunities, and ask specific questions on these and other funding issues. You can also share ideas with others on the network. More Funding Advice documents are in the Experts Online ICT Funding Library.