£30 million available for groups from London Development Agency

Skills and regeneration projects, local charities to benefit

This week the London Development Agency (LDA) launched the Opportunities Fund Round Two – a £30m pot primarily aimed at skills and regeneration projects run by charities, voluntary and other local groups.

It is the second consecutive year the LDA has run the fund. Over the next three years, more than 20,000 people and 6,000 businesses should benefit from Opportunities Fund Round One. They include 14,000 women, 5,000 people with disabilities and 15,000 people from black and minority ethnic groups.

Manny Lewis, chief executive of the LDA, said: “There are hundreds of grassroots organisations in London that pour their heart and soul into improving their area. Their local knowledge and relationship with the community is an invaluable resource, but in many cases a lack of funding holds them back. We want to build on the success of last year’s fund and invest in high quality innovative projects to plug this funding need.”

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said: "London’s continued economic vibrancy coupled with our preparation for the 2012 Games means there are a wealth of opportunities for Londoners, but we have to ensure they are open to the capital's diverse communities. This fund will harness the tremendous ability, enthusiasm and ingenuity of groups throughout the capital to deliver those opportunities to people and areas that need it the most."

The three year Round Two fund will help those in disadvantaged groups overcome barriers to find work or learn new skills, while also supporting the regeneration of deprived areas including neglected industrial estates.

The LDA are seeking projects based on four themes for this year’s fund:

• Skills and employment support for equalities groups including people with disabilities, BAME groups and women
• Opportunities for engagement in London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for London’s diverse communities
• Improving the working environment of industrial estates including business, training and environmental improvements.
• Capacity building, such including increased training and networking, for minority-led organisations

Last year, the first ever Opportunities Fund (Round One) attracted 766 applications and the LDA is expecting even more interest after each former applicant was contacted about the new three year fund - along with 1,200 other organisations. Capel Manor gained £250,000 to support the Pan-London GreenHEART for Women into Horticulture project.

Organisations have between September 12 and October 6 to complete a short expression of interest form via the LDA website.

September 27, 2006