Charities and organisations across Waveney received a welcome boost to their funds as Waveney District Council finalised its grant allocation for 2008-09.

Charities and organisations across Waveney received a welcome boost to their funds as Waveney District Council finalised its grant allocation for 2008-09.

Thirteen new or previously unsupported organisations have benefited this year - among them are Tutti, Waveney Crossroads and Beccles Royales Gymnastics Club.

Tutti is a new organisation involving young musicians living in rural Waveney, who promote the physical, educational and emotional benefits of musical activity and strengthen rural community cohesion. Beccles Royales Gymnastics Club will receive funding to develop volunteers and coaches.

Organisations benefiting from service level agreements with the council for support over three years include North East Suffolk CAB, Waveney Women's Aid, Halesworth Playing Field Association, Waveney Community Forum, DIAL and the Bungay and District Sports Association.

Colin Law, deputy leader of Waveney District Council with responsibility for community cohesion said: “It is pleasing to see such a diverse group of charities and voluntary sector organisations benefiting this year. The fact that 13 new groups were successful is really encouraging - it shows such groups are thriving in Waveney and truly deserve our support.

“Under this new scheme more organisations should benefit, as funding rounds in April and October will enable access to funding over the whole year.”

From April 2008, all future service level agreements will be cash limited, with the same amount of funding being paid across three years, and from April 2009 community grants to organisations will be limited to an upper ceiling of £2,000 and will be allocated through two funding rounds instead of one.

Local Area Forum Grants are also available, with funding allocated to each area on a population basis. Groups no longer have to wait for an area forum meeting to take place to apply for grants of up to £500. It is hoped this will encourage more groups to apply and provide increased support for local initiatives.

Waveney District Council's grant aid support is designed to help small registered charities and voluntary sector organisations to deliver projects that meet the needs of the community.

Further information on funding and support can be obtained by visiting Community and Voluntary Sector Grants at www.waveney.gov.uk or call 01502 523180.