Vicky ParryCity of York Council will be working with a not for profit organisation to provide an exciting new grants programme for the voluntary and community sector across the city, following Cabinet’s approval last night to develop a citywide Voluntary Sector Strategy.
York’s voluntary sector contributes enormously to the city’s economic, social and cultural life at every level and the strategy will support and maintain this by identifying opportunities for future collaboration between the council and voluntary sectors.
The council will be working in partnership with Your Consortium, which specialises in managing grants and contracts on behalf of the voluntary and community sector and supporting them to develop their organisations.
The Consortium already works with 28 organisations in York and has brought £1.3 million of funding to deliver services in the city through its partners since setting up four years ago.
Cllr Dafydd Williams, Cabinet Member of City of York Council said:” We’re delighted to be working with Your Consortium on this innovative new model of working. This fits with our overall strategy for supporting the voluntary and community sector, by pooling several existing grant programmes into a single pot we can take a more strategic approach to the services provided and ensure that every penny counts for the residents of York. ”
Sue Vasey, Chief Executive of Your Consortium, said: “Working with City of York Council is the natural next step for Your Consortium as we strive to maximise investment into the voluntary and community sector and their work with the most vulnerable in our society. This grants programme will compliment other grants funds we currently manage on behalf of the sector in the city, via the Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund.”
“Your Consortium is much more than a ‘management’ company. We were established by the voluntary and community sector to support them and they remain at the centre of everything we do. This fund will provide new opportunities for organisations who can demonstrate they can meet the needs of York residents.”
The organisation is well established in York and a key partner in the exciting Lottery funded York Transforming Infrastructure project led by York CVS, who will also be providing support as a partner in this new fund. The Consortium also carries out a range of organisational development activities with York organisations and is currently investing £7,200 in York charities and not for profits to fund quality kite marks.
The grants scheme will be formally launched on the 12 June 2012.
