By Claire Racine

Over 250 third sector organisations across England will benefit from the first £1000 bursary awards made today under the government's Real Help for Communities: Modernisation Fund, which is being delivered by Capacitybuilders.

The awards aim to help frontline groups increase their impact and provide services to those worst hit by the recession.

Each award buys at least two days of professional advice and support to explore how organisations can build resilience, including through working more closely with others, collaboration or mergers.

Phase Two will begin in the Autumn with grants of up to £10,000 for bursary holders who want to take further significant steps towards collaboration or merger.

“The government has acted decisively to support charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises as they help people deal with the challenges of recession,” said Angela Smith, minister for the Third Sector.

“It’s only 15 weeks since this Modernisation Fund was announced as part of the launch of the ‘Real Help for Communities Action Plan’ and I’m very pleased to see the funding already delivering benefit to the sector.”

These awards are the first to be made under Phase One of the Office for the Third Sector’s £16.5mil Modernisation Fund. Organisations can continue to apply for bursaries until 17 July 2009.

“This first tranche of awards means we’re on track to support hundreds of frontline groups become stronger and more resilient, providing direct benefit to the communities and individuals across the country who rely on them for advice, support and services,” said Matt Leach, Capacitybuilders chief executive.