The Big Lottery Fund has launched a £200 million regeneration scheme aimed at areas in England that have previously been overlooked for funding.
Areas of Oldham, Salford and Wigan are among the first 50 areas chosen for investment as part of the BLF’s Big Local Trust scheme, which was launched on 27th July.
The BLF is seeking applications from voluntary and community sector-led organisations wishing to run the Trust, which will co-ordinate local funding schemes for between 100-150 areas over the next 10 years.
Opportunities for local funding will be available once the Trust is up and running and Peter Wanless, chief executive of the Big Lottery Fund, said local people will be heavily involved in deciding how the money will be spent.
“The Big Local Trust funding stream will help local people identify their pressing issues and develop the skills and confidence necessary to start changing things in their community for the better,” he said.
Expressions of interest from organisations wishing to run the Trust must be received by 12th August.