The Association that introduced the UK’s first incentive and reward scheme for social housing residents is launching a £1,000,000 grant fund -– the biggest of its kind in the sector.

In partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester which will manage the fund, Irwell Valley - based in Manchester - is offering grants of up to £1,000 to the Association’s residents and up to £5,000 to voluntary and community groups serving Irwell Valley residents.

Applications will be considered for a range of activities including bursaries for young and older people to access further education, non-academic training such as film-making, or music and projects that promote physical or emotional well being. A panel, with residents in the majority, will oversee the allocation of grants.

With match funding from the Office of the Third Sector, the Golden Foundation Fund currently stands at £1,000,000 and is expected to yield more income from donations.

Irwell Valley’s Chief Executive Dr. Tom Manion says:

“We are incredibly excited about the potential of this pioneering scheme. The funding priorities have been carefully chosen to ensure that the Foundation is as accessible as possible to all residents. It means local people will have the opportunity to source local solutions to local problems and create positive change within their neighbourhoods.”

Nick Massey, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester added:

“We have a long standing relationship with IVHA who have always been at the forefront of grassroots community investment of this nature. This new Foundation is the largest we have launched in Greater Manchester and we are delighted to see a local business secure the future of our communities in this way. This is 21st Century Philanthropy at its best!”

The Golden Foundation launches Thursday September 24 to an invited audience of community groups, local politicians and public and private sector business.

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