Community Grant Training Bursary Scheme Launched

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Dacorum Borough Council has announced the launch of the Community Grant Training Bursary Scheme, designed to support the professional development of unpaid coaches and volunteers within sports, arts, heritage, cultural, and community groups within Dacorum. This initiative provides financial assistance for training and qualifications, aiming to enhance the skills, knowledge and capacity of coaches and volunteers who are vital to the success of our local clubs and organisations.

The scheme aims to provide financial assistance, ranging from £100 and £500, and can be applied for year-round, providing flexibility for organisations and clubs. A Small and Community Grant can also be applied for alongside this bursary.

The scheme particularly encourages applications from the following groups:

  • Young coaches and volunteers: Aspiring young people aged 14-21 (subject to course age requirements).
  • Inclusive coaches and volunteers: Clubs and organisations delivering accessible projects for people with SEND/additional needs or with an inclusive focus.
  • Culturally Diverse and Lower Socio-Economic Communities: Clubs and organisations serving underrepresented groups across the Borough.
  • Female Coaches and volunteers: Clubs and organisations that aim to support female participation in leadership and volunteer roles.

The bursary is part of the broader Dacorum Community Grants Scheme and is specifically tailored to provide positive pathways to meet the unique needs of individuals within Dacorum. Eligible applicants must be unpaid coaches and volunteers within Dacorum-based clubs and organisations, and the training or qualification must commence within 12 months of successfully receiving the grant.

Councillor Adrian England, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council, said: ‘We are proud to launch this new bursary program to support the invaluable work of our local unpaid coaches and volunteers by investing in their training and development.

‘As a Council we are investing in the next generation of community leaders in the sports, arts and community sectors.’

For more information or to begin the application process, please contact Huma Abbasi, Dacorum Borough Council’s Place Officer for Sports and Physical Activity: huma.abbasi@dacorum.gov.uk.