04 April 2008
All third sector organisations providing public services can now bid for funds to help boost their chances of winning contracts.
Futurebuilders England this week announced that it was actively seeking applications from organisations working across all public service areas. This makes good a proposal made by then-chancellor Gordon Brown in his 2007 Budget.
Previously, only charities operating in the areas of crime, community cohesion, children and young people, education and learning, and health and social care were able to bid for a share of the £215m fund.
Futurebuilders offers a range of grants and loan finance, and expert business support to help third sector organisations build their capacity to compete for public service contracts.
Since April 1, the fund has been administered by the Adventure Capital Fund.
Jonathan Lewis, ACF chief executive and now Futurebuilders chief executive, said: 'As a result of our extended remit, we're looking forward to receiving applications from new areas of the sector that have previously been ineligible to apply.'
PFapr2008
