Cash handout helps North East groups to create jobs

Jan 19 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

FIVE not-for-profit organisations in the North East have been awarded a share of nearly £560,000 to help them create jobs and boost the region's economy.

The investment marks the second round of funding to be announced from the £6m Third Sector Capacity Fund created by regional development agency One North East.

The four-year project is aiming to help organisations develop innovative ways of assisting people into work, deliver regeneration and boost the third sector’s sustainability and contribution to economic growth.

Third sector organisations were invited to bid for funding with the regional development agency receiving an overwhelming response once again.

The funding was awarded to West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust, which received £150,000 to address unemployment among young people; £111,000 for Groundwork North East; £50,000 for Waste Aware North East; £143,000 to the Angelou Centre, in Newcastle, to help Pakistani and Bangladeshi young women into work; and £105,300 to Street League which uses sport to encourage young people to get jobs.

The funding will create seven jobs, safeguard another seven and help develop the skills of more than 1,000 people.

Beverley Park, One North East’s skills and economic inclusion manager, said: “It is essential we continue to back not-for-profit organisations as they play an important role in the life and economy of the region, and through this particular round of funding also address worklessness and improve communities.”

Rocket Science is managing the Third Sector Capacity Fund – an independent organisation with experience of working with the sector and with grant funding.

Cherri Blissett of Rocket Science, said: “We have awarded money to five projects which will make a real difference to a range of third sector organisations and the lives of people living and working in the North East.

“The projects will also further strengthen collaboration and partnership working across the sector.”

There is still a month to enter your organisation for the Not-For-Profit Award in the nebusiness awards organised by The Journal and Evening Gazette, in association with Business Link.

:: Nominations can be made online at www.nebusinessawards.co.uk