Community Action Dacorum [CAD] have for the last two years been distributing grants on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council [DBC], to local organisations from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

At CAD our Communities team were very happy to have supported Dacorum Borough Council, who were awarded this government funding to distribute to grass roots community organisations. The idea of the fund was to help local organisations put on cultural or sporting events, or to improve community buildings, making residents feel better about the place they live.

As a council for voluntary service our mission is to work with, and support community organisations. Our knowledge of them and the work they do, put us in an ideal place to help them put in successful applications to the fund.

Through the Dacorum Shared Prosperity Fund, our Communities team have administered £228,675 in grants distributed across 46 unique organisations. Our role went beyond simple distribution providing solutions the groups needed to succeed, from helping with complex funding forms to strengthening their governance to meet the funders expectations.

As Karen from Inclusive United CIC noted, our “in-depth knowledge about the UKSPF was invaluable” in securing vital funding.

There was incredible diversity of projects supported over the life of the fund, not only in their activities but also from towns and villages across the whole borough. A significant £96,000 was specifically directed toward 20 sports and physical activity clubs to enable inclusive programming and facility upgrades.

Chris from Kings Langley Allotment Society said “ I made the announcement of our Shared Prosperity grant award at our AGM and our members reaction was a joy to see, and made all the effort worthwhile.  There was an immediate burst of applause and the buzz around the room was clear”

The panel meet next month to approve the final round of the fund, when the last  £21,325 of the £250,000 pot will be distributed to other amazing organisations across the borough.