Dorset Council is looking for your thoughts on how to financially support the voluntary community sector beyond March 2021.
A total of £1.9 million has been invested this year into the voluntary community sector (VCS) by all six predecessor councils in the Dorset Council area. Grants were given to a cross section of topics including advice, museums, heritage, community, leisure, arts, culture and environment.
The council are reviewing their direct financial contributions to these community resources. They want to gather opinions from the organisations themselves, the people that use them and also other Dorset residents.
The current funding arrangements are unequal, with some areas of Dorset receiving significantly more funding than others. This review will ensure grants are fairly distributed across the county. This consultation will provide the VCS with the opportunity to share their views about potential future options and to comment on the grant’s selection criteria.
Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said:
“We want to hear from people across the Dorset Council area. Not only from those involved with voluntary bodies working in the community, but also those who benefit from their activity and also those who have no direct connection
“We have already written to current grant recipients explaining what we are doing. Their funding has been extended for another year, giving us time to review and put in place a supportive grant system from April 2021.”
To find out more about the Voluntary Community Sector Grants Review visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/your-council/consultations
