North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced an additional £1.5 million investment in her Mayor's Opportunity Fund, following the completion of the first four funding rounds that supported 107 grassroots organisations across the region.
Since its launch, the initial £1 million of the fund has backed trusted local organisations addressing the challenges most important to communities. Funded projects have supported families during the cost-of-living crisis, improved digital skills, helped older people stay connected, strengthened community ties, and provided access to work, education, and essential services.
New rolling programme and grant details
The fund is being increased and its operations updated. The new rolling programme will offer grants of up to £7,500 to charities and grassroots organisations supporting residents experiencing financial hardship. This funding aims to reduce household costs, improve access to services and opportunities, and support initiatives including food provision, community transport, digital inclusion, repair and reuse schemes, and enhancements to community spaces.
Mayor McGuinness said: "From tackling loneliness and helping families through the cost-of-living crisis to supporting people into work, the Mayor's Opportunity Fund has shown what can be achieved when you back the organisations that know their communities best."
"Over the last four rounds we've supported 107 charities and grassroots groups delivering practical help and changing lives in every part of the North East. That's why I'm investing a further £1.5 million. I want to help even more local organisations provide the support people need, put more money back into people's pockets and make sure nobody is left behind."
Local projects already making a difference
The fund's impact is already visible across the region. In Walker, the Wor Hoose Community Project has helped residents reduce daily expenses by providing food, toiletries, meal kits, lunch clubs, and community meals. Teams & Bensham Community Care has enhanced lunch clubs to combat loneliness among older adults in Gateshead.
Teesdale Community Resources received funding for transportation support to reduce isolation for vulnerable residents in rural areas. Escape Family Support is set to expand its community shop in Ashington, offering affordable clothing, household items, and essential goods for those facing financial hardship.
Partnership and application details
The Mayor's Opportunity Fund continues to be delivered in partnership with Community Foundation North East and Point North Community Foundation, ensuring funding reaches trusted organisations across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham.
Rob Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Community Foundation North East, said: "Community Foundation North East is delighted to continue our partnership with Mayor Kim McGuinnes and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority on the Mayor's Opportunity Fund. Together we've been able to fund 107 organisations to support communities across the region. This announcement of a further £1.5million to continue to tackle the impact of the cost-of-living as we head into winter will be hugely welcomed. We look forward to getting this funding out and seeing and sharing the difference it makes."
Michelle Cooper, CEO at Point North, said: "We're delighted to be delivering Phase 2 of the Mayor's Opportunity Fund. The first phase showed just how vital this funding is to grassroots organisations across County Durham and the wider North East. At a time when households are struggling with the cost of living and charities are being asked to do more with less, it's imperative that we support organisations holding our communities together. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting to work. Until those barriers are removed, we're proud to deliver a fund that steps up to support local organisations making a real difference to people's lives."
Applications submitted by 9th November will be considered for funding in December. For more information on how to apply, visit Point North for County Durham-based organisations and the Community Foundation North East for those based in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear.
