Wychavon Community Grants

Financial assistance is available to local voluntary groups and charitable organisations for innovative new projects that make a lasting difference and improve the quality of life in Wychavon.
Details

Fund Value:
£ 80,000
Maximum Value:
£ 10,000
Minimum Value:
£ 250

Grants are for projects costing over £250 up to a maximum of £10,000, which will be the normal maximum amount. Larger grants may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Extended Description

The Community Grants scheme is provided and administered by Wychavon District Council.

Every year the scheme focuses on one element of community life. The theme for 2011 is "Play". Applications will also be considered for innovative, new projects that will make a lasting difference to the community and improve the quality of life within the district. Projects should address the theme set out for the year but may focus on other aspects of community life, such as community buildings, sports, and arts. Projects must benefit the community.
Latest Information

2011 deadline: 17 June 2011 (noon).

To be eligible, applicants must:

* Be a local voluntary group or charitable organisation from Wychavon District.
* Be a non-profit making organisation.
* Have a project within Wychavon District or for the benefit of Wychavon residents.
* Demonstrate that they can meet the full costs of the proposed project through grant aid and other contributions.
* Have the necessary permissions to carry out the project.
* Be able to take up the grant within 12 months of the grant offer.

To be eligible, projects must:

* Meet local needs and benefit local residents.
* Have community support.
* Be well planned and involve as many local people as possible.

Applications from a national organisation or local branch of a national organisation must be for a specific local project.

Applications from religious organisations must be for non-religious, community, leisure and recreational purposes only.

Applications from Parish or Town Councils must be for substantial projects only, such as village halls, land purchases or Lottery bids.

Applications from schools must be for projects with a wider community benefit that run outside of school hours. Curricular activities will not be funded.
Eligible Expenditure

Assistance is provided towards a wide range of projects that:

* Support initiatives that improve services and facilities for the local community.
* Encourage local action to improve quality of life.
* Support activities in the local community that the Council would like to support but for which it does not have the resources.
* Contribute towards the Council's priorities, as set out in the Wychavon Community Strategy.

Match Funding Restrictions

Applicants will be expected to show other sources of funding towards the total cost of the project. This could be from the local community or from other grant aid.

The Council is unlikely to fund 100% of any project and the more that can be raised by the applicant, the better the chance of success.

When applications are made in connection with Lottery-funded projects, the Council will only provide up to 50% of the minimum partnership funding required by the relevant Lottery body (except Awards for All).
Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

* Individuals.
* Organisations that can fund the project themselves.
* Organisations whose liquid assets in hand exceed one year's revenue expenditures unless funds have been set aside specifically for a capital project.
* Organisations whose projects require year-on-year running costs, such as usual venue hire, refreshments, newsletters and administration. (Start-up costs would be eligible.)
* Projects that will have taken place by 31 July 2011.
* More than one project from the same organisation per year.

Grants are awarded once in a three year period. Recipients in 2011 may not apply again until 2014. Unsuccessful applicants may apply each year until successful.
Application Procedure

Application packs can be obtained by contacting Tracy Grubb. The closing date is 12.00 noon on 17 June 2011.

Applicants are strongly advised to approach their parish or town councillor and local district councillor about their application.

The following documents must be submitted along with the completed application form:

* A Community Strategy Form (if not applying under the 'Play' theme) or the Play Strategy form (if applying under the ‘Play’ theme)
* Evidence of local support for the project and how it meets community needs (for example, letters from local organisations or residents; petition).
* Audited, or independently verified, balance sheets and revenue accounts for the past two years. (If these are not yet available please supply interim accounts or balance sheets.)
* Copy of the organisation’s Rules and Regulations and/or Constitution.
* Copies of estimates relating to work for which a grant is sought.
* Plans of proposed work where appropriate.

A Grants Help Service is in operation during April and May. Applicants should contact Tracy Grubb with details of the project to arrange a discussion with one of the scheme managers.

Applicant’s Briefing Sessions have been arranged for:

* 20 April.
* 18 May.
* 01 June.

The briefing sessions will be held at 6.30 pm in the Conservatory, Civic Centre, Pershore. Applicants should use the Civic Suite entrance at the rear of the building for all briefing sessions.

Applicants that are applying for a grant in excess of £1,000 are expected to attend the Applicants Briefing Sessions; those that are unable to attend should contact Tracy Grubb prior to the briefing to discuss the application.

If a grant of £2,000 or more is requested, applicants may be called in to give a short presentation to the working group. This would allow more detailed questioning of the project, in addition to providing applicants an opportunity to clearly state the need and outline the benefits for the community.

Grant applications that meet all of the relevant criteria, will be considered by members of the Council during June, July and August 2011. They will make a decision about which projects to fund and what level of grant to allocate.

Contact Tracy Grubb for further information and an application pack.
Addresses and contacts

For further information on how to obtain this funding opportunity locally, please contact the following:

Contact details:
Tracy Grubb
Wychavon District Council
Civic Centre
Queen Elizabeth Drive
Pershore
Worcs
WR10 1PT
Telephone:
01386 565168