VOLUNTARY and community groups across County Durham can find out what money is up for grabs to help develop their organisation or run new projects.

Durham Rural Community Council has worked with The Village Halls Consortium to organise a ‘meet the funders’ event at Marwood Social Centre, Barnard Castle, on Friday March 8.

There will be two drop in sessions- 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm- for group representatives to talk to local, regional and national funders about project ideas and whether they would be eligible to apply to their funding schemes.

The Big Lottery Fund, Co-operative Community Fund, County Durham Community Foundation, Funding Information North East, Heritage Lottery Fund, Lloyds TSB Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, SPORTED, Teesdale Action Partnership and The Village Halls Consortium have all confirmed their attendance.

The event is being supported by North Pennine Dales Leader.

Helen Brown, community buildings development officer for DRCC, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for representatives of groups such as village hall management committees, craft groups, sports clubs, children and young people’s groups, older people’s groups, health groups and all types of not for profit organisations to speak face to face with funders and find out how their projects can be supported.

“We have organised this event as we know it is a difficult time financially for groups and we are delighted with the range of funders who are attending.”

For information or to book a place contact Mrs Brown on 01207-529621 or email helen.brown@durhamrcc.org.uk.

There will be a free buffet lunch provided between the morning and afternoon sessions which all delegates are invited to attend.