New year funding boost for community organisations 

Grants totalling £180,600 have been awarded to organisations that support Rugby's vulnerable communities.

Bedworth, Rugby, and Nuneaton Citizens Advice (Brancab) supports thousands of residents each year in tackling debt, maximising their income, accessing housing and many other challenges. So far in 2022 Brancab have worked with Rugby residents to gain over £1miilion, primarily in debt tackled and welfare benefits that residents were entitled to. Brancab will receive up to £73,000.

Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA) supports community and voluntary organisations in the borough of Rugby in ensuring they have good governance and can access grants that enable them to deliver services to our residents. In 2021/22 WCAVA supported ninety-three groups in the Borough and enabled them to access £160,000 in small grant funding. £39,600 will be awarded in 2023/24.

The council has quadrupled its support for the Rugby Foodbank for 2023/24. In 2021/22 the Foodbank distributed 3,400 emergency food parcels for adults and 2,100 emergency food parcels for children. £8,000 will be awarded in 2023/24.

Community Associations in New Bilton, Benn, Overslade, Long Lawford, Brownsover and Newbold provide diverse services that meet the needs of their communities and the council will provide them with financial support for a further year. They will share funding of £45,000 in 2023/24.

Cllr Emma Crane, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities and homes said:

Rugby's community organisations provide a valued service to residents, and they are often best placed to provide specialist support.

"There are many grant schemes available to community organisations, but most do not fund day-to-day running costs. We are pleased to be able to provide that assistance, which in turn will unlock further funding.

"We are proud of our community sector and thank all of the volunteers and organisations for their service."