Councillor Phil Bateman said today ” I want Wednesfield and Wolverhampton community Groups to make bids against this great Local Community Funding, made available by National Express, one of the big Local Businesses that are active here in Wolverhampton and the West Midlands.
This is an opportunity that can’t be missed. I will be urging my Local Volunteers here in Wednesfield North to make an application later today.
National Express as well as providing public transportation locally, also provides thousands of local people with jobs through-out the West Midlands.
They make a really big impact upon our Local Economy.
Its great that they are also offering charities and volunteer groups a chance to ‘pitch’ for community funding. It doesn’t stop there either! If you are an Individual and you want help with funding for an education project. You too can bid. Read on and make a bid, it may make a huge difference to yourself or your local community!”
The National Express Foundation has opened for 2017 funding applications.
As in previous years, the Foundation will provide funding to help local disadvantaged students attend further and higher education, as well as grants to help support local community groups that provide positive activities for young people.
We are extremely proud that over the last five years, our funding grants have helped over 11,000 young people enjoy exciting and engaging activities and helped them to gain qualifications and learn new skills.
Last year, the amount of Foundation funding available was increased by 50%, to a total of £150,000 and we have pledged the same amount to support even more young people this year.
Local educational institutions can apply for funding of £10,000 per year with their proposals for an innovative bursary scheme that benefits disadvantaged young students. The local community groups can apply for a set amount of either £2,500 or £5,000.
Full guidelines on the process and how to apply can be found at www.nationalexpressgroup.com/
foundation. We were delighted to be able to support some more great local initiatives in 2016 and this year we want to increase the level of interest and support.
Wolverhampton based Heart and Soul Community CIC was last year awarded £5,000 to provide a fast-track but structured training programme for 18-24 year olds who were seeking apprenticeships or employment in the construction industry.
Heart and Soul’s Jayne Townsend said:
“The grant from National Express Foundation enabled Heart and Soul Community to deliver a Fast Steps Into Construction course to unemployed local young people. It provided the youngsters with the basic skills required to pursue apprenticeship and employment opportunities and resulted in four full-time, two self-employed and five apprenticeship placements within the local construction industry.”
We would really appreciate your help to ensure that all eligible educational institutions and community groups are aware of our application process and the fact that they can bid for funding.
I have drafted letters to local community groups and principles of local colleges as well as a draft press release which you can download below.
Draft letter to community groups
Draft letter to local colleges
Draft press releaseWe would also appreciate you tweeting the above website link via your social media channels if at all possible.
With best wishes,
Anthony Vigor
Chairman, National Express Foundation
foundation@nationalexpress.com
3a Broad Lane North Wolverhampton WV12 5UH.
Election Agent Mr PTA Bateman 3a Broad Lane North Wolverhampton WV125UH
Phil Bateman Online
