A CASH bonanza worth £120,000 is up for grabs across York, as part of this year's YorKash fund.

The fund, run by City of York Council, is aimed at children and young people between 11 and 21 years of age. Youngsters can bid for funding to support a project that they have come up with and that will have long-term benefits for young people in the city. The young people must bid for the money themselves, explaining why they think their project will help others, and how they will spend the money.

To gain funding, the project must:

  • Be based on ideas that have come from young people
  • Be for 11 to 21-year-olds
  • Be achievable
  • Be from a new or existing group
  • Have long-term benefits for young people
  • Allow young people an opportunity to develop personally and socially
  • Provide activities and services for young people, especially those most disadvantaged in society

Tim Waudby, from the council's play team, said: "The YorKash fund has proven hugely successful in previous years and some great projects have come about as a direct result of funding from the scheme.

"Because young people have to take ownership of their bid, coming up with the concept themselves and making the application for funding, they gain a lot from the process itself."

Keith Aspden, the council's executive member for social inclusion and young people, said: "I hope that a wide range of young people will apply for the Yorkash funding.

"The amount of money on offer - £120,000 - will make a huge contribution to the range of activities on offer around our city. The idea that young people themselves must lead the bids is in keeping with the Liberal Democrats' aim of involving young people more directly in the life of the city.

"I am looking forward to reading the proposals which come forward."

Anyone wanting more information about the fund and how to apply, should phone Mary Bailey on 01904 554699 or email mary.bailey@york.gov.uk. Groups can apply for any amount of money before the closing date of July 21.