EHRC sets up £10 million community chest

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has set up a £10.2 million fund to help grassroots organisations build an inclusive Britain.
The commission will give funding of up to £450, 000 over three years to projects that provide advice and advocacy, offer legal support, or promote co-operation where there have been tensions between groups.
It said it was particularly keen to back projects that serve and involve individuals and local communities, and those that help to inspire longer-term projects that promote the commission’s objectives.
The strategic funding programme will be at the centre of the EHRC’s new three-year strategy, which will be launched soon.
Trevor Phillips, chair of the EHRC, said: “In tough economic times, people who are on the sharp end of discrimination and inequality are more in need of support than ever.”
He said the grassroots work that often gives people “skills, support and access to opportunity” was often “under-funded and under-appreciated” but played “a vital role in keeping communities together”.
The deadline for the first wave of funding applications is 12 June, with results due towards the end of July.
May