WIREDGOV

Thirty-two frontline third sector organisations are taking a major step forward, thanks to grants from the Office of the Third Sector yesterday. They will receive up to £10,000 under the Government’s Real Help for Communities: Modernisation Fund.

These thirty-two organisations across England will receive early awards under the second phase of the Modernisation Fund grants programme. The grants are to support their plans to collaborate or merge to better respond to the economic climate and the changing demands on the sector. The £10,000 can be used for the costs of merger or collaboration, such as legal fees. Organisations that have completed the first phase of the programme still have until 9th November 2009 to apply.

Successful applicants’ proposals include accessing expert support to finalise a merger between two local careers centres as well as legally formalising links between a local advice centre facing closure and a Citizens Advice Bureau keen to increase its reach and impact.

Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, said:

“We have the best third sector in the world and the Government is committed to support those organisations that are meeting challenges in this changing world. The Modernisation Fund – part of the Real Help for Communities Action Plan – means that third sector organisations that are looking to merge or collaborate will get a £10,000 grant to pay essential costs.”

The grant fund is being administered by Capacitybuilders for the Office of the Third Sector. The programme has already offered over £1,000 worth of bursaries for the first steps in exploring options around collaboration and merger.

Matt Leach, Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders, said:

“We’re really pleased to be able to make early grant awards to these organisations, all of whom already have well progressed plans for collaboration or merger. The number of applications we have received to date reflect the growing need for third sector organisations to respond to the future challenges – particularly in forming partnerships that strengthen their ability to bid for contracts for services.”

For further information on the Modernisation Fund, please visit:

• Real Help for Communities: Modernisation Fund external website