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Search for press releases£7.5 Million Boost to Help Faith Communities Play a Fuller Part in Civil Society and Community Cohesion
14 February 2006
Faith-based groups whose work promotes understanding and dialogue received a £7.5 million increase in funding today as Home Office Minister Paul Goggins unveiled 578 successful applications to the Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund.
Following an overwhelming response in applications for the £5 million already allocated, an additional £2.5 million will be made available for the current round of funding for faith community projects. Furthermore, the Home Office has committed to make £5 million available for 2007/08 and a new bidding round will be launched later this year inviting applications for funding during that year.
Applications came from a broad range of faith community groups including:
- TheFaithworks, a Manchester-based Christian organisation, which provides worker skills training and networking, develops community events and supports locals individually; and
- Leicester's FATIMA Women's Network, which is establishing a regional Muslim women's forum to link into other faith communities at national and regional level.
Paul Goggins said:
"Faith organisations play a key role in our communities - providing leadership and bringing people from different faiths and cultures together. They help find ways to enhance understanding and develop practical solutions including new social enterprises, jobs and learning opportunities.
"I have been impressed by the enthusiasm and quality of proposals submitted across all faith communities and am confident that with the additional funding announced today these projects will make a significant impact. I am particularly pleased that we are able to support initiatives which will develop the capacity of women and young people: both key recommendations of the Preventing Extremism Together working groups established last summer".
The Community Development Foundation (CDF), which has been commissioned by the Home Office to administer the distribution of funds, received over 2,100 applications during this first funding round. An assessment panel made up of representatives from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Christian communities, as well as interfaith bodies, recommended the projects to be approved.
The second funding round is due to open in the summer.
Notes to Editors:
- The Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund was first announced in the Government's 'Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society' strategy in January 2005.
- The fund is administered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF).
- The guidance notes, application forms and summary details of applicants are available at: www.cdf.org.uk (new window).
- For further background details, please refer to the CDF press notices issued on 22 September 2005 and 14th February 2006 or contact CDF on 01223 400341.
