CHARITIES, not-for profit organisations and community groups are being invited to apply for a share of £30,000 grant funding from Bicester Village.
The designer outlet store has launched its annual ‘Make a Difference’ campaign where it gives money to groups specifically to support projects that help the vulnerable and needy in the Bicester community as well as creating new opportunities for the regeneration of the town centre.
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Groups have until March 25 to apply and can be awarded up to £4,000.
The judging panel are welcoming projects that truly Make a Difference and add value to our local community.
Previous recipients include Bure Park Disability Football Team.
Head coach Adam Robinson said: "The Make a Difference fund has been such a wonderful thing to be a part of. We have done exactly as the name suggests, and made a difference to more children in Bicester with disabilities.
"We have been able to expand our football offering to 12-15 year olds using the fund to assist with the costs that are associated with the running of the team, and we already have eight new members of the team in this age group who are preparing for their first inclusive league tournament in early 2022."
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Dance for Life Bicester also received a grant last year which allowed the group to establish a social project in Bicester for older people.
The group said: "It has proved a lifeline for this older, more isolated community throughout lockdown."
Some of the other groups that were awarded money last year were lunch and friendship group for older people Forget me Not; 1st Bicester Intrepid Scout Group; Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh), Bardwell Special School and Bicester Autism.
Applicants to the fund should be able to demonstrate the opportunity for continued growth and sustained benefits while focusing on one or more of three themes: supporting women and children, togetherness and healthy living.
Through this fund, Bicester Village is hoping to support local organisations that might not normally qualify for grants or public funding, but which can make a genuine difference in 2022.
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Lucy Busby, community relations manager at Bicester Village said: "Since 2018 we have been privileged to support more than 50 Bicester charities through the Make a Difference Fund. It has been wonderful to see so many amazing projects flourish and how many local people have benefitted.
"We are looking forward to seeing as many new applicants as possible this year.”
Go to bicestervillage.com/makeadifference for more information and to apply.
People are advised to send any enquiries via email to makeadifference@valueretail.com.
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