3. THE IMPACT OF GRANT FUNDING

Ryde Town Council supports both new grant applicants and regularly funded organizations and has thus built up a considerable portfolio of projects, programmes and initiatives in which it has a stake on behalf of the residents of Ryde. Helping to sustain local charities and underwriting important local events is an important service in itself but more can be done to accumulate year-on-year civic gains by aligning the outputs of funded work to a coherent plan for the town. This need not change the small grant facility with its easy entry requirements for smaller sums which is such an important scheme for individuals and small or unincorporated groups.

Such an approach is likely to attract other funding to accelerate progress by providing a ‘match’ towards clear and consistent outcomes for public and community benefit.

Understanding, influencing and steering the impact of Ryde’s urban extension. This profound change to the shape and life of the town is already set in place, but its impact on the public realm, pedestrian permeability and civic quality of the town can still be shaped by Ryde Town Council working in partnership with its partners and allies.