Innovative proposals to shape Bradford's future invited by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Communities Bradford, a programme of innovative projects that bring together people from different perspectives within the district, has been launched by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Projects will encompass culture, faith and immigration and the JRF has already received a significant number of bids for funds.
The successful proposals will not only bring together people from different communities but will also identify lessons from Bradford that could inform policy and practice elsewhere in the UK. The JRF is interested in high quality development projects, evaluations of existing projects, community action initiatives or networks. The timescale for projects is up to two years and £300,000 will be awarded across a range of successful projects for 2006.
Proposals are being invited across three themes:
- Faith and cohesion in communities – this looks at how religion can help build “good neighbourliness” and support area regeneration as well as examining how faith affects community relationships;
- Impact of migration on communities – this involves consideration of the ways in which current migrants coming to Bradford relate to existing communities;
- Culture makes communities – this will examine the role of community arts in strengthening cooperation and positive contact between neighbouring households, particularly across age and ethnic boundaries.
The scheme is part of a £5 million commitment to work with local people over a decade to improve life in their communities. The programme aims to complement Bradford’s ongoing economic development and to support all sectors of the community so they are included in the city’s growth and renewal. The deadline for expressions of interest is 2pm Friday 2 June and full proposals must be submitted by 2pm Tuesday 1 August. Further details can be obtained from JRF’s website.
Bana Gora, JRF’s Manager for Bradford said:
“We are looking for projects with the potential to bring about real change in Bradford and generate different kinds of learning for the rest of the UK. We want to see people coming together from within communities including those that have been identified as 'hard to reach' and also to increase dialogue across different groups. We are keen to support projects that engage Muslim women, young men and children through creative and innovative disciplines.”
For further information, please contact:
Bana Gora, JRF Manager, Bradford: 01274 493006 | bana.gora@jrf.org.uk
