North East charities lead the bidding for Newcastle-based fund (23/11/2005)
08.05.2006
Charities from the North East are leading the way in applying for a new kind of funding to improve public services. New figures from Newcastle-based Futurebuilders England show that (per head of population outside London) groups in the North East are the keenest to take on loans in addition to traditional grants. Over 60 voluntary organisations in the region have applied to Futurebuilders since it opened for business in May 2004.
Peter Deans, Futurebuilders Director of Funding said, “The interest from the North East in our new funding scheme has been fantastic. It goes to show that there are some exciting and dynamic charities out there - providing excellent services that people really value. By applying to us they are demonstrating their professionalism and their confidence in the quality services they offer. We now want to expand our involvement in the region so we can enable more charities to develop and help more people.”
Futurebuilders which invests in charities across England, is expanding its Cale Cross workforce to meet demand. It is currently looking for extra staff to enable it to support more charities and reach more people. It has so far invested in four projects in the North East, including £380,000 for Education Business Connections. The charity brings Tyne and Wear pupils, teachers and businesses together - giving local young people the chance to learn essential workplace skills.
Barbara McLennan, Chief Executive of Education Business Connections said, “The Futurebuilders finance has enabled us to expand the training we offer young people across the region, and to run some exciting new projects. In a time when more traditional funding streams are drying up it is important that charities consider all options. Futurebuilders is an innovative and exciting potential source of money that encourages charities to become self-sufficient and develop contracts rather than relying on grants.”
To qualify for Futurebuilders finance, charities need to negotiate contracts with public sector agencies, like local councils and Primary Care Trusts, so that they can earn revenue to pay back a loan. There will be an opportunity to learn how to do this, and how to get Futurebuilders finance, at an event for voluntary and community organisations working in Tyne and Wear. It takes place at The Centre for Life, Newcastle, on 13th December. To book a place please call the Pentagon Partnership on 0191 200 1405.
Barbara McLennan said, “I’d urge all voluntary and community sector organisations to get along to this event. Futurebuilders has enabled us to make a step change in our drive to become a leading regional provider of education business partnership work and we’re already reaping the benefit of their support.”