19 community groups in Harrogate district receive £89,000

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Harrogate Town's community foundation, Knaresborough-based Orb Community Arts and Kirkby Malzeard Bowls Club are among 19 community organisations awarded a total of £89,005.

They were awarded grants by the Local Fund for the Harrogate District, which raises money for good causes each year.

Funding comes from a legacy left by the now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council, donations and players of The Local Lotto, which contributes at least 10p from every ticket sold.

The fund is run as a partnership between North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate & District Community Action and Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Since its launch nine years ago, it has awarded more than £490,000 through 182 grants.

This year the fund rewarded groups that provide services that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, strengthen communities and help people facing challenging circumstances.

It offered both activity grants and organisational development grants for the first time this year.

Activity grants support the delivery of projects and services. Organisational development grants help charities strengthen the structures that underpin their work.

Activity grants ranged from £5,000 for Holding Space, which is delivering two eight-week creative wellbeing projects for vulnerable women and people experiencing homelessness, to £500 for St Mark's Church in Harrogate to provide mental health first aid training for two team members.

Other activity grant recipients are: Aphasia Support, The Principle Trust, Killinghall Parish Council, Dancing for Wellbeing, Orb Community Arts, Boroughbridge Community Charity, Emerging Voices, The Village Harrogate, Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA), Reflect, Harrogate Baptist Church, Harrogate District of Sanctuary, Lifeline Harrogate, Wellspring Therapy & Training and Kirkby Malzeard Bowls Club.

Two organisations received organisational development grants.

Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation is using the funding for a six-week programme that combines mentoring and football-based physical activity to improve wellbeing and engagement.

Sporting Influence Foundation is using its grant to develop a clear strategic plan.

Celia McKeon, chief executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said: