The Hackney Council Voluntary & Community Sector Grants Programme supports the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to deliver services to local people, in line with the Mayor’s Priorities for the borough and to support the delivery of Hackney’s Sustainable Community Strategy which aims to reduce inequality and poverty in Hackney.

The Council will be launching its 2013/14 Grants Programme on Thursday 5 July at the Picturehouse on Mare Street.

The event will present information on the funding opportunities available for 2013/14 including the changes made to the programme and the application process following the recent consultation.

VCS groups who want to find out more about the programme are invited to attend. To book a place at the launch please register by e-mailing communitypartnerships@hackney.gov.uk, or call us on (020) 8356 4066. The deadline for registration is 12 noon on the day before the launch.

The morning will begin at 10am with tea/coffee and registration and will include speeches outlining the programme and how to apply for a grantas well as presentations from organisations who have benefited from the funding.

I would encourage all those of you involved in local environmental voluntary and community groups and projects to go along and find out about new opportunities for receiving funding to develop and extend your work.