BICESTER charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations are being invited to apply for a portion of a £30,000 grant from Bicester Village.

The designer outlet store has launched its ‘Make a Difference’ campaign to give away up to £4,000 to any one organisation.

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The initiative, which has now been running for three years, will specifically support projects to help with the town’s recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic and provide support for those in need in the Bicester community.

In this exceptional year, the fund is aimed at meeting the needs of the less fortunate as well as creating new opportunities for the regeneration of the town centre.

Applicants to the fund should be able to demonstrate the opportunity for continued growth and sustained benefits while focusing on one or more of the following three themes: supporting women and children, togetherness and healthy living.

Bicester Village is hoping to support local organisations that might not normally qualify for grants or public funding, but which can make a genuine difference in 2021.

Previous recipients include project Dance for Life Bicester run by Dance Creative.

The group said: “The grant from Bicester Village allowed us to fully establish this social and creative project in Bicester for older people, and it has proved a lifeline for this older, more isolated community throughout lockdown."

St Edburg’s Primary School received funding for an outdoor learning classroom and The Hummingbird Centre received funding which was used to provide equine therapy sessions through charity Equilore with Dr Loes Koorenhof and her team of horses.

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The Hummingbird Centre said: "We would not have been able to provide the support that we have been doing with Loes at Equilore without the grant from Bicester Village."

Charity Aspire Oxford also benefitted from the fund and said it helped to support people in the Bicester area affected by homelessness and poverty.

To be eligible, applicants must be not-for-profit organisations that are based in, or primarily support activities within, Bicester or surrounding areas.

To apply, go to BicesterVillage.com/makeadifference or email MakeADifference@ValueRetail.com. The closing date for applications is June 18.

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