Medway African and Caribbean Association is celebrating receiving over £282,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.
The grant, which will span 3 years, will develop and deliver a programme of activities that will benefit young people across Kent and Medway, as well as strengthen MACA’s infrastructure to enable the organisation to achieve its long-term goals, which include establishing a secure base for MACA, and expanding its services.
The grant which was spearheaded by Young People United (YPU) from MACA, will help to give young people the tools they need to explore future prospects, by building an inclusive environment where diverse groups of young people can learn from each other.
The funds will be used to develop a 3-year programme of activities including a youth music project, in which young people will get the opportunity to create their own music as a way of positive expression.
A video project, where young people will get the opportunity to develop media skills and create a series of short videos about life in Kent and Medway from a youth lens.
“Place to Be” the young people will develop a “third space “ which will see them develop a programme of activities developed by and for young people , in a safe space, bringing young people together from different backgrounds.
MACA will engage a development officer to help strengthen the infrastructure of the charity, explore development opportunities and sustainable sources of income, to achieve its long-term goals
Speaking on behalf of YPU, Aaliyah Likuluta said: “As we have developed the group structure of YPU over the past few years, we have received a several small grants to execute small projects benefitting young people across Kent and Medway, this grant has made history within YPU and MACA, as this is the highest we have ever received. We look forward to working with a number of organisations to deliver these programmes.”
Dr Carol Stewart, Chairperson of MACA added: “This is indeed a landmark grant for MACA, the largest in its 40-year history. Being awarded this grant, will support us in realising our vision and help us to strengthen and grow so that MACA can continue for 40 years and more!
“We had a lot of guidance and support from our grant officer Andy Smith, and we never imagined we would have been successful, having been turned down for funding of this size many times. We are delighted that the panel could see the vision that MACA seeks to achieve and the impact we have on the community as a whole, MACA is for everyone, and through these programmes we hope to break down barriers amongst the community. This grant would not have been possible without the support of National Lottery players , on behalf of MACA we would like to thank everyone who buys a ticket , which enables so many organisations like ours to continue our work. “
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure said:
“MACA have consistently carried out amazing work to support communities across Medway through arts, educational and social programmes, and I’m delighted they’ve been awarded this much-deserved, historic allocation of funding. We’re looking forward to continue to work in partnership with MACA, and I know the projects we are working on are going to make a massive difference to many young people throughout Medway. I hope MACA continues to go from strength to strength and that we can continue to keep making a positive difference together.
Helen Bushell, Head of Regional Funding for London, the South East and East of England at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Supporting children and young people to thrive is one of our four community-led missions, and a key part of our strategy.
“Groups like MACA are at the heart of communities and are perfectly placed to make this priority a reality. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re delighted to support their vital work.”
ENDS
Contact:
For more information and interviews contact Dr Carol Stewart info@macacharity.org.uk or call 07501 497920
Note to editors:
About The National Lottery Community Fund
We are the largest non-statutory community funder in the UK – community is at the heart of our purpose, vision and name.
We support activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable and that will strengthen society and improve lives across the UK.
We’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to work closely with government to distribute vital grants and funding from key Government programmes and initiatives.
As well as responding to what communities tell us is important to them, our funding is focused on four key missions, supporting communities to:
1. Come together
2. Be environmentally sustainable
3. Help children and young people thrive
4. Enable people to live healthier lives.
Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, we distribute over £600 million a year through 13,000+ grants and plan to invest over £4 billion of funding into communities by 2030. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.
National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Since The National Lottery began in 1994, £49 billion has been raised and more than 690,000 individual grants have been made across the UK – the equivalent of around 240 National Lottery grants in every UK postcode district.