Through our Community Fund we have awarded over £236,000 in grants to 21 local projects, following the approval of applications from a range of community groups, non-profit organisations, and charities.

The grants have been awarded to projects that contribute to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the residents of Torbay and contribute towards the visions contained within our Community and Corporate Plan. These are to:

• Create or develop new groups, activities and places that improve our local communities and the lives of people of all ages who live there.
• Maintain or improve existing groups, activities or buildings that benefit the local community.
• Develops and supports culture in Torbay, making it a better place to live, work and learn.
• Encourage groups and communities to come together to support themselves and others.

The following groups and organisations have received a contribution from the Community Fund:

• Turning Heads: £15,000
• Maker Arts Community Interest Company (CIC): £14,000
• Play Torbay: £15,000
• What’s Your Problem CIC: £15,000
• Thrive Project: £15,000
• Tonic Creatives: £14,572
• Torbay Climate Action CIC: £6,900
• Great Parks Community Association: £10,500
• Gaia Giving CIC: £8,500
• Crafty Fox Café n Hub: £10,650
• Step One Charity: £15,000
• Peace Out Paddling CIC: £6,900
• Cycle Torbay CIC: £6,095
• Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club: £15,000
• Moorvision: £7,500
• Brixham Admiral Swim Company Ltd: £5,000
• Patchwork House Women’s Centre CIC: £7,000
• Wheelchair Dancers Abbey Hall Flooring Fund: £13,660
• The Devon Clinic: £4,998
• Hele Village Community Association: £14,976
• Heart of Torbay: £15,000

Councillor Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said: "We are delighted to award these grants to such a diverse range of projects in our community. Through this fund we are committed to supporting local initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of our residents. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that these projects will have on our community."

Councillor Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said: “These projects highlight the benefit to the wider community and have shown that community engagement and co-production has taken place in the design and what will now be the delivery of the project. This shows that there is a real community need for what these groups and organisations can deliver.

“This fund has helped us to invest in our communities so that they can develop the resources and resilience to achieve their own aspirations, priorities and long-lasting solutions.”

Applications for the Community Fund were assessed by a panel who consider each application based on its merits and its potential to contribute to the well-being of the Torbay community.