From: Voluntary Arts England <info_at_vaengland_dot_org_dot_uk>

Date: 26 January 2007 14:14:49 GMT

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NEWS ITEMS

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Communication for the next generation: interactive guide

Media Trust, the charity that brings the media industry and charities together, have launched 'Communication for the next generation'. The interactive guide is aimed at charities and offers advice on how to communicate with, and market to, young people. 

A diverse range of top media industry figures have written articles and features for the guide. Available free to charities, this resource contains practical tips, straight-talking advice and also de-mystifies some of the digital and online jargon which is second nature to the increasingly savvy youth market. 

The guide can be downloaded from www.mediatrust.org

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Independent report into the level of fees for entertainment licences

The Independent Licensing Fees Review Panel was commissioned to look at the Licensing Act 2003 fees to ensure they were set at the right level for licensees and local councils.  Following a close examination of the fees and local authority spending during the first eighteen months of the new regime, the panel has found that local authorities will have spent more than they received in licensing fees during the first three years. It also found that fee payers incurred higher costs than anticipated.

The panel also make a number of recommendations to streamline the process. These include recommendations that:

• all local authorities should accept electronic applications; 

• fees for exceptionally large events, such as music festivals and country fairs, should be set locally; 

• the application forms and processes should be simplified

To read the full report visit  www.culture.gov.uk

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FUNDING

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Help Yourselves!

deadline - Friday 23 March 2007 

Help Yourselves! aims to support adults and young people working together.  Created by Save the Children and British Gas, the here to HELP Awards want to get young people involved in dynamic and lasting community projects. They have over 100 Awards of up to £1,000 to give away as well as a small number of grants of up to £3,000. 

They can fund projects and activities that help children and young people who are excluded and isolated as well as those living in noted areas of deprivation. They particularly welcome applications from groups who may face discrimination and disadvantage in society because of issues to do with, for example, gender, ethnicity, or disability.

More: www.helpyourselves.org.uk/index.jsp

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The Foundation for Sports and the Arts

The Foundation for Sports and the Arts (FSA) was established in 1991 to distribute income generated by the football pools promoters. Grants can be awarded to a wide range of projects. The Foundation's aim is to enhance the quality of life for the communities to encourage and fund sports and arts at every level. The FSA consider promoting participation and enjoyment by everyone is more important than promoting sporting or artistic excellence or success.

Funding is available for capital and revenue projects. Grants are available for a wide variety of sports and arts purposes, such as play areas, museums, arts projects, drama centres, etc. 

For more details:

T:  0151 259 5505  

E: contact_at_thefsa_dot_net.

www.thefsa.net

source: VAN Newsletter

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The B&Q You Can Do It Awards

deadline - Friday 30 March 2007

dates - Applications accepted from Monday 29 January 2007

The B&Q You Can Do It Awards is an annual award scheme that offers community groups such as local sports clubs, charities, schools, disability, environmental and youth clubs throughout the UK the opportunity to embark on projects that can make a difference to local people. 

Applications for the 2007 awards will be accepted from 29 January and the closing date is 30 March 2007. Further details are available from www.diy.com/awards or by phoning 0845 301 1001. 

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