Folkestone & Hythe District Cllrs receive £3,000 of taxpayers money to per year to spend on community projects that help deliver the Council’s strategic objectives. In total there are 30 Cllrs so up to £90,000 can be given away in a year.
In 2023/24, the amount claimed by eligible organisations was £79,127; which meant, £10,873 went unclaimed.
The organization which made the most successful applications for funding from Cllrs ward budgets was Jim Jam Arts. This company puts on the Folkestone Living Advent Calender and it all started back in 2015. It is run by the wonderful Sadie & Sue, with a lot of help from brilliant and most excellent volunteers. All in all, Cllrs supported them to the tune of £5,143.
In second place came Strange Cargo. This is rather odd, we say that because since 2014/15, Strange Cargo have always received more ward budgets from Cllrs than any other organisation who have applied. They are a participatory arts organization and put on Charivari Day. They also make and display public art and have done many other things since they came into existence in 1995.
In third place came The Real Power of Music CIC. The Community Interest Company was incorporated in June 2015. It’s an organisation that leverages the therapeutic potential of music to improve the lives of individuals with dementia and their families. By providing tailored music sessions and promoting social interaction and peer support, they aim to enhance wellbeing, stimulate memories, and combat isolation. They received £4,854 in Cllr ward budgets.
Here are just a few other organizations who received funding from Cllr ward budgets: Jam on the Marsh £300; Napier Friends £300; Sellindge U16 Football £400; Hawkinge Community Fridge £400; Friends of Hythe Dementia £500; Caring Altogether on Romney Marsh Lydd Branch £500; Folkestone & Hythe Opera & Dramatic Society £765 and Dymchurch Day of Syn £532.
In total more than a hundred and ten organizations received funding from Cllr Ward Budgets in 2023/24, and you can download the spreadsheet here
If you are a volunteer or a member of a CIC, Charity or other organizations, why not check out if your organization is eligible for funding from your Cllr’s ward budget. These are the Terms & Conditions for Members_Ward_Budgets; and the Council also produce the Guide to Evidence for F&HDC Member Ward Budget Grant Applications
In the darkened days of winter we can each turn to those memories of Summer, and know that Cllrs ward budgets helped brighten up community events across our fantastic district, bringing joy into our hearts, and a smile to our face.
The Shepway Vox Team
The Velvet Voices of Voxatiousness
