The Rock launches charitable fund

Local charities and not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for up to £2,000 from a new community bursary established by The Rock shopping and leisure development in Bury.

The funding is specifically for projects that fit within the themes of art and culture, education and skills, health and wellbeing or sustainability and the environment. The projects must also be of value and generate tangible benefits for their local community.

The applications will be assessed by a special judging panel, made up of representative from The Rock, developer Hammerson and Bury Council.

Nikki Kitchen, marketing manager, The Rock, said: "This is a really exciting initiative, supporting charities which provide a service that is well valued by their local community. We decided to introduce a community bursary – rather than a donation to one charity – as it allows us the chance to help a number of charitable organisations which support a variety of causes within the Bury borough.

"The community bursary scheme is an initiative which Hammerson has established in shopping centres across the country with great success. We are keen to replicate this success in Bury."

Cllr Yvonne Creswell, cabinet member for communities at Bury Council, added: "The Rock's bursary scheme is a fantastic project that will help build strong relationships with the many community groups and charities in Bury. We would encourage anyone across the borough who thinks they might be suitable for this funding to contact The Rock's bursary team, as we are looking to a support a wide variety of organisations and schemes."

Applications for the community bursary will close on Friday, 24 September 2010. For more information on The Rock's community bursary and to download an application form logon to http://www.therockbury.com/

The Rock's 620,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space will open in July.