Eight community projects have been awarded a share of £15,000 through the Ermine Community Fund, following a community voting process that put local residents at the heart of decision-making.
The fund, delivered by City of Lincoln Council in partnership with the Ermine Community Partnership, aims to give people living on the Ermine a direct say in how funding should be invested in their community.
The process began with a community survey, where residents identified priorities. These priorities then shaped the funding programme, inviting local groups and organisations to submit projects that would make a positive difference for people living on the Ermine.
A total of twenty applications were received, demonstrating the passion and commitment from local organisations, volunteers, and community groups to improve life on the estate.
At the Ermine Summer Fair, residents could vote for projects they felt would have the greatest impact. A total of 279 people took part, each voting for their top three projects.
Following the community vote, eight projects have been awarded a share of £15,000:
- Noise Academy – Ermine Makes Noise
- Ermine Exchange - Community Summer Holiday Family Events
- Friends of Ermine Library - Year- round Community Events and activities at Ermine Library
- Children’s Links – Ermine Playrangers
- St John the Baptist – Free Tea Friday
- GLL – Healthy Holidays for Families
- Green Synergy - Ermine Green Seeds Project
- 22nd Lincoln Brownies – Support ongoing running costs.
The Ermine Community Fund is about more than funding projects; it is about putting decision-making into the hands of people who live on the Ermine, ensuring local residents have a direct say in shaping their community and investing in the activities and initiatives that matter most to them.
Cllr Lucinda Preston, Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“A huge thank you goes to everyone who applied. The quality of the projects was incredibly high, which shows just how much passion and commitment there is across the Ermine Community.
“This fund is a brilliant example of local people having a direct say in the decisions that affect their area, helping to ensure funding goes towards the activities and support that residents themselves have identified as important.
“On behalf of the council and the Ermine Community Partnership, I would also like to thank every resident who took the time to vote and help decide how this year’s funding should be invested.”
Over the coming months, the successful projects will begin delivering activities and events across the Ermine. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on local community channels for updates and opportunities to get involved.
Following the success of this year’s programme, City of Lincoln Council and the Ermine Community Partnership hope to make the Ermine Community Fund available again next year, continuing to empower local people to shape the future of their community.