Following the successful 2008 Third Sector Development Fund, an new and improved version called the Third Sector BME & Equalities Fund (TSBEF) has been developed in partnership with the Third Sector and is being launched by the City Council on Thursday 22 October 2009.

The fund specification supports the new Equalities Bill, which comes into force next April and means that local authorities will have a duty to address seven areas of inequality. 

Through the TSBEF, smaller Third Sector groups can develop and improve services for minorities and promote and progress equalities within their organisation.  Having a successful project with the TSBEF should also give them greater credibility when applying for large grants or tendering for commissioned services.

For organisations that meet the criteria and can demonstrate a track record of successful project delivery, grants of £10,000 to £30,000 per year, are available for up to three years.

The grants represent a valuable addition to resources for the Third Sector, which makes a very important contribution to the delivery of public services in the city.

The Third Sector is well placed to respond to new and emerging community needs and it is hoped that the TSBEF will help to maintain and encourage growth in the city's third sector, ensuring it is able to thrive.

Applications can be completed online at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/community_living/grants and can be downloaded from 22 October; there is also a link from the home page.  (If anyone does not have access to the internet, a paper copy of the Spec and Proposal can be sent by post).

The fund contact is Kate Millington in the Community Initiatives Team at the City Council - she is happy to discuss project ideas and/or queries about the fund either by phone on 01902 554023, by email to kate.millington@wolverhampton.gov.uk, or personally, by appointment.

The fund closes on Friday 8 January 2010, 4.30 pm.