The recipients of Manchester City Council’s Our Manchester Grants Programme for the Voluntary and Community Sector (OMVCS) have been announced.
The OMVCS is the Council’s largest grant programme for the voluntary and community sector. The programme invests into Manchester’s thriving and diverse voluntary and community sector- helping organisations provide the best support they can for residents.
The OMVCS grants are part of Manchester City Council’s Our Manchester Strategy that aims to make Manchester a top flight city by 2025.
This year, the Council has increased its investment into the sector from £2.4 million to £3.4 million per year in this programme, despite the significant financial challenges faced.
The grants are for multiple financial years, and this helps organisations to plan and invest for the medium term.
Recipients of the grant are from all over the city and provide a wide range of services, such as support for communities, supporting health and well being, and residents experiencing poverty.
Subject to due diligence, 60 organisations from wards across the city were selected to be awarded grants of up to £100k per year following a rigorous assessment panel process.
Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:
“The voluntary and community sector is the backbone of our city, supporting residents from a diverse range of communities in many different ways and making Manchester a great place to live. Investing in and supporting these organisations is a key priority for Manchester City Council and it allows us to create more inclusive, resilient and healthier neighbourhoods.
“The last few years have been very difficult for many voluntary and community organisations. The pandemic and cost of living crisis have brought many challenges and increased demand for services. This funding programme helps to build resilience in the voluntary and community sector and allows us to support our residents and organisations through the next few years.
“I’d like to thank all the groups who applied and took part in this process. It has shown what a brilliant sector we have in the city and I look forward to seeing the wide range of projects that will be funded through this come to life.”
