VOLUNTARY and community groups in Ryedale are being urged to attend a Meet the Funder event next Wednesday at the Malton and Norton Rugby Club.

Meet the Funder is organised by Ryedale Voluntary Action, the Malton-based charity providing voluntary and community support, and is supported by their counterparts in Scarborough, Seachange Community Trust.

The Market Place event, from 10.30am-4.30pm, will provide an opportunity for groups to meet major funders face-to-face, gain advice and information, find out what grants are available to them and meet other local groups.

Funders who will be in attendance include the Big Lottery, Sport England, Heritage Lottery, Yorventure, Two Ridings Community Foundation, UnLtd and Charity Bank not to mention a number of locally based funders.

This year’s event has been sponsored by insurance brokers McClarrons in Malton.

Company director Sean McClarron said: “McClarrons is proud to be supporting the Meet the Funder event and recognises the important role that the not-for-profit sector plays within our local community.

“We deal with a wide range of charities and community groups and are only too aware of the challenges they face, particularly with funding, so this event is very worthwhile and we are sure it will be a huge success.” There is no need to book a place.

Voluntary and community groups are encouraged to simply turn up on the day from 10.30am and there will be a buffet lunch provided from noon.

There will also be a funding surgery taking place throughout the day for groups who would like to meet funding advisors to discuss all aspects of funding and general support.

Sarah Lally-Marley, funding advisor at Ryedale Voluntary Action, said: “Our exciting popular event attracts some of the best funders to Ryedale. In the current economic climate it is more important than ever for our local charities and voluntary groups to attend to ensure they receive the latest information.”

For further information contact Sarah at Ryedale Voluntary Action, Ryedale Community House, Wentworth Street, Malton, YO17 7BN, phone 01653 600120 or email sarahlm@rva-cvs.org.uk