Surrey Heath's 2012 Celebration Fund - Do You Have an Idea or Project to Celebrate the London 2012 Oympics?

Local organisations, schools, clubs, associations and groups within Surrey Heath are being invited to bid for a share of the council's 2012 Celebration Fund grant scheme for community projects inspired by the Olympics. 

The 2012 Celebration Fund provides an opportunity for Surrey Heath to join in the celebrations through a diverse range of leisure and cultural activity involving all sectors of the community. 

And it's not just about sport! While the events of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games celebrate sporting achievements, the lead up to the Games celebrates the arts and culture through the Cultural Olympiad programme. 

Organisations are encouraged to generate their own ideas, but suggestions they might like to consider for their projects are: 

*    writing/poetry competitions on the theme;

*    arts and craft sessions; 

*    photographic or art exhibitions on the topic; 

*    workplace volunteering activities; 

*    inter club sporting events or matches;

*    mass participation activities at community events (e.g. a running race); 

*    inter-generational heritage projects based on the 1908 and 1948 London Olympics; 

*    community mosaics, sculptures or tapestries. 

Grants are available for up to 75% of the project cost, with a maximum grant of £750. 

Portfolio holder for arts and leisure Councillor Craig Fennell said: "This is a great opportunity for groups and organisations to apply for financial support to deliver some inspirational projects and events in 2012. 

"It's not necessarily about doing new things; ideas and projects can use the themes of the Olympics and Paralympics to inspire activities you are already doing."

An application form and further details are available from:

www.surreyheath.gov.uk/2012olympics/  You will need to complete the from giving details of the project (with supporting evidence or a business plan) for which you require a grant.  You will also need to get a councillor's endorsement on the application form.

The closing date for applications is Monday 31 October 2011 and the applications will be decided upon by the Council's Executive in December.