We are celebrating awarding more than £227,000 in Aspire grants to local volunteers and community groups in Sunderland since the programme launched in 2003.
Aspire grants support local volunteers and community groups in Gentoo neighbourhoods with donations of up to £500. The grants can be used to fund projects and activities that Gentoo tenants can access.
In the last year, we awarded more than £18,500 in Aspire Grants to over 40 community groups including Thompson Road Community Garden, Pennywell Neighbourhood Centre and Friends of Bunnyhill.
Susie Thompson, Executive Director of Housing at Gentoo Group said: “At Gentoo, we are proud to work in a city filled with residents who care about making a difference in their community. Our Aspire grants are available to local volunteers who work with local people in Gentoo neighbourhoods, whether that be through community groups, sports clubs or social events. The grants are a great way of bringing communities together and putting our tenants at the forefront of decision making for their neighbourhoods.”
The funding allowed Thompson Road Community Garden to buy new gardening equipment, Pennywell Neighbourhood Centre to replace a piano for their singing group and Friends of Bunnyhill were able to buy equipment to host a tree planting day.
Gary Brooks, Chief Executive of Pennywell Neighbourhood Centre said: “The funding from Gentoo saved our singing group from cancellation as we were able to replace a borrowed piano and buy our own. If we lost access to a piano, this would have impacted the group massively. The group can now continue indefinitely and get together every Wednesday. The grant has ultimately helped us improve the health and well-being of local vulnerable people ensuring meaningful, social connection with their neighbours.”
Aspire grant applications are reviewed by local residents from our Tenant Voice Committee, ensuring city residents have a say on where and how money is spent in their local communities.
Brenda Naisby, Tenant Board Member at Gentoo Group, said: “Our Tenant Voice Committee members are dedicated to maintaining and improving the neighbourhoods we live in. Every Aspire grant we approve contributes to bringing communities closer together and making our city a better place to live. We were delighted to hear Aspire grants have provided more than £227,000 to community groups in Sunderland over the years and we look forward to seeing more communities benefit from grants in the future.”
Celebrating its 20th year, our Aspire Grant Programme offers up to £500 and has benefitted many local groups and organisations over the years. This includes art, music and drama clubs, toddler play groups, local football clubs, older people’s clubs and resident and community associations.
For more information and access to an application form, visit: https://www.gentoogroup.com/support/aspire-community-grant-programme/
