Hello new Mayor and a big thank you to outgoing Mayor…
Councillor Billy McAloon has taken up the chains of office to become Spennymoor Town Mayor, making it a hattrick of roles for him on the Town Council.
The Spennymoor Town Council scheme introduces two distinct funding “pots”, the Main Grant programme offering awards of up to £5,000, and a Councillor-led Small Grants scheme, providing flexible funding for smaller initiatives, including awards to individuals of up to £250.
Main Grant awards will be aimed at charities, voluntary organisations and community-led groups delivering impactful projects across Spennymoor, Tudhoe, Byers Green, Kirk Merrington and Middlestone Moor. Funding will support initiatives creating opportunity for youngsters and families, strengthening communities, improving environments and enhancing shared facilities.
Alongside this, the Small Grants scheme gives councillors funding of up to £1,000 each year to respond quickly to local need and support smaller-scale projects, events and ideas.
Leader of Spennymoor Town Council, Cllr Billy McAloon, welcomed the launch. He said: “Supporting communities is at the heart of everything we do, and these new grant schemes will give people the tools to make a difference where they live. Whether it’s a larger project transforming somewhere or a small idea bringing people together, we want to back the ambition, energy and commitment that already exists across our town and villages.
“This scheme is investing in people as well as supporting local organisations as we all strive to turn great ideas into reality. We’re proud to offer this support and encourage anyone with a project that could benefit their community to come forward and apply.”
The scheme has been designed to deliver long-term benefit. Projects supported through the Main Grant programme must demonstrate community impact, sustainability and alignment with town priorities, while smaller grants will focus on grassroots activity and enhancing community life.
Town Mayor, Cllr Liz Maddison, said: “These grants are about more than just funding – they’ve been created to build pride in our communities and give people the chance to shape the places they live. When Spennymoor comes together to deliver projects, we always deliver, so I can only see these two schemes being a huge success.
“I’m really pleased to see support for smaller, grassroots ideas alongside larger projects, as it’s often those local initiatives that have the biggest impact on people’s daily lives.”
Applications for the Main Grant Programme are now open, with organisations encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate clear community benefit. Councillor Small Grant applications can be submitted throughout the year, with decisions made on a rolling basis.
All successful applicants will be asked to acknowledge Town Council support and share outcomes of their projects, helping to showcase the positive impact being delivered across Spennymoor.
For full details on eligibility, application criteria and how to apply, visit the Spennymoor Town Council website or contact the Council directly: https://spennymoor-tc.gov.uk/people/grants/
