Grant Aid
Applications for Grants
Applications for Grant Aid from the Parish Council by Local Organisations within the Parish.
In view of financial constraints on the Council and in order to safeguard the interests of the Council's Tax Payers it is obviously essential that money available for grant aid is utilised in a proper and equitable manner.
Organisations wishing to apply for grant aid for projects should take note of the following guidance in order to ensure that any application needed may be properly considered by the Council in time for the Precept for the following year.
The Parish Council has to start to prepare its budget for the following financial year in November and an application for grant aid received after the 31st October in any year is unlikely to be considered for inclusion in that budget. To assist Parish Councillors in making proper assessments of grant applications you are advised to be mindful of the guidance given below. It should be noted, however, that fulfilment of the criteria will not necessarily result in grant aid. Reasons for refusal will be supplied upon request.
GUIDANCE
Applications for grant aid must be received by the Clerk no later than the 31st December of the year preceding the financial year for which grant aid is being sought.
Generally grants awarded which are in excess of 500.00 pounds may be paid in two instalments, usually in May and November. This is because the District Council, which is the collecting authority for the Council Tax, releases the Parish Council's Precept in two instalments.
Where applicants have audited accounts available for their organisation, cause or activity, a copy of the latest set of accounts should be submitted with the application. If such accounts are not available a balance sheet showing the financial standing at the end of the year which proceeds the year for which the grant is sought, should be submitted. (i.e. if a grant is sought for financial year 1997/8 the balances or audited accounts for 1996/7 should be submitted with the application.)
The purpose for which the grant is being sought should be specified. In the event of an application being made for aid towards a specific project, an estimate of the total project cost should be specified, together with the amount of any request. If grant aid has been promised from any other local authority or organisation then details of that too should be given.
Applicants should provide a narrative as to why they believe the Parish Council should consider giving them financial sup port. They may wish to demonstrate what benefits will be derived for the village and its residents by the Parish Council giving such grant aid.
Applicants should demonstrate what steps they are taking to raise funds from their own activities and/or members.
Whilst an application must be submitted to the Clerk of the Parish Council in writing, an opportunity will be made available for an applicant to make a verbal presentation to support an application if required. This may be arranged with the Clerk and would usually be heard at the October or November Parish Council Meeting.
NOTE In the event of an emergency situation arising at any time during the year for which an organisation may wish to apply for financial aid from the Parish Council, advice should be sought from the Clerk.
Norman Rigglesworth
Clerk to Slaugham Parish Council
In view of financial constraints on the Council and in order to safeguard the interests of the Council's Tax Payers it is obviously essential that money available for grant aid is utilised in a proper and equitable manner.
Organisations wishing to apply for grant aid for projects should take note of the following guidance in order to ensure that any application needed may be properly considered by the Council in time for the Precept for the following year.
The Parish Council has to start to prepare its budget for the following financial year in November and an application for grant aid received after the 31st October in any year is unlikely to be considered for inclusion in that budget. To assist Parish Councillors in making proper assessments of grant applications you are advised to be mindful of the guidance given below. It should be noted, however, that fulfilment of the criteria will not necessarily result in grant aid. Reasons for refusal will be supplied upon request.
GUIDANCE
Applications for grant aid must be received by the Clerk no later than the 31st December of the year preceding the financial year for which grant aid is being sought.
Generally grants awarded which are in excess of 500.00 pounds may be paid in two instalments, usually in May and November. This is because the District Council, which is the collecting authority for the Council Tax, releases the Parish Council's Precept in two instalments.
Where applicants have audited accounts available for their organisation, cause or activity, a copy of the latest set of accounts should be submitted with the application. If such accounts are not available a balance sheet showing the financial standing at the end of the year which proceeds the year for which the grant is sought, should be submitted. (i.e. if a grant is sought for financial year 1997/8 the balances or audited accounts for 1996/7 should be submitted with the application.)
The purpose for which the grant is being sought should be specified. In the event of an application being made for aid towards a specific project, an estimate of the total project cost should be specified, together with the amount of any request. If grant aid has been promised from any other local authority or organisation then details of that too should be given.
Applicants should provide a narrative as to why they believe the Parish Council should consider giving them financial sup port. They may wish to demonstrate what benefits will be derived for the village and its residents by the Parish Council giving such grant aid.
Applicants should demonstrate what steps they are taking to raise funds from their own activities and/or members.
Whilst an application must be submitted to the Clerk of the Parish Council in writing, an opportunity will be made available for an applicant to make a verbal presentation to support an application if required. This may be arranged with the Clerk and would usually be heard at the October or November Parish Council Meeting.
NOTE In the event of an emergency situation arising at any time during the year for which an organisation may wish to apply for financial aid from the Parish Council, advice should be sought from the Clerk.
Norman Rigglesworth
Clerk to Slaugham Parish Council
Other Funding for Local Groups
The Big Boost
Awards grants between 250.00 to 5000.00 to individuals and smalls groups of youngsters between ages of 11 and 25 to deliver projects in their community.
For more information - Telephone: 0845 4102030 or email info@thebigboost.org.uk or visit www.thebigboost.org.uk
Awards for All - South Eastern England
Grants of between 300.00 and 10,000.00 are available for community groups and voluntary organisations. To find out more on eligibility call 0845 6002040 or visit www.awardsforall.org.uk
Awards grants between 250.00 to 5000.00 to individuals and smalls groups of youngsters between ages of 11 and 25 to deliver projects in their community.
For more information - Telephone: 0845 4102030 or email info@thebigboost.org.uk or visit www.thebigboost.org.uk
Awards for All - South Eastern England
Grants of between 300.00 and 10,000.00 are available for community groups and voluntary organisations. To find out more on eligibility call 0845 6002040 or visit www.awardsforall.org.uk
The Mid Sussex (South) Council for Voluntary Service are available to help small groups who may need advice on funding, training, activities and so forth.
The contact details are:
Small Groups Development Worker
Tel: 01444 258102
Email: cvsms@copperstream.co.uk