Community Empowerment Fund

This is another plank in the government’s efforts to build on neighbourhood renewal and another which, inevitably, is aimed at drawing in local people through voluntary and community organisations by which the government sets great store. Here the intention is to allow them to participate as equal partners in local strategic partnerships (qv).

The CEF offers funding of £36 million over three years to the 88 most deprived local authority areas. The CEF cannot be used to replace or subsidise existing local authority funding for local groups and organisations; or to replace or subsidise existing provision for training and development for those groups and organisations.

While the Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chests (qv) provides small grants to support and increase local self-help, the CEF funds outreach and support so that local people are aware of the opportunities for participation. It is also intended to allow community and voluntary organisations to increase their scope and effectiveness in local strategic partnerships.

Website: www.neighbourhood.gov.uk