FINE

The eagerly-awaited results of the Office of Civil Society “Transforming Local Infrastructure Fund” were announced today.

Four partnerships in the North East were beneficiaries of the fund which aims to modernise and streamline support services working with front line organisations.

Local Development Agencies will be disappointed that only a third of the bids in the North East region have been awarded a grant. Expectations were of a success rate of 50%.

Partnerships in Darlington, Middlesbrough, North Tyneside and Stockton will each receive awards of more than £250,000 for work supporting local communities over the next 18 months.

For a full list of successful organisations http://biglotteryfund.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/transforming-local-infrastructure-awards2.pdf

Infrastructure Organisations across the North East who were unsuccessful are wondering where their futures lie as funding dries up for them.

Meanwhile The Big Lottery Fund are seeking the views of both front line and infrastructure organisations as to how support services can be bought-in by groups on an “as-needed” basis. This is in advance of a new £20 million fund to be opened later this year.

For an opportunity to contribute to the debate click here.