There is a budget for funding voluntary community and non-profit making groups. This budget is organised on a geographical basis throughout Cumbria and is allocated on a per capita basis.
There are various criteria but basically groups must be non-profit making, locally based, doing their own fund-raising and the project must show community benefit. Applications can be for anything from £50. Most awards are for less than £1,000.
Churches - We cannot give grant-aid to churches unless the project is of a wide community benefit e.g. a church hall that is used by local groups, brownies, etc. may be eligible for grant-aid.
Schools - LEA Schools cannot obtain grant-aid for anything which should be funded from the LMS budget. Applications can be considered from a Parent Teacher Association but the project must benefit a wider community than pupils and parents.
This is a general guide to help you fill in the application form. Please note, every Forum area has differing grants criteria. If you are in any doubt, please phone us on 01228 606730.
The Application Form - Before filling in the application form, please read the ' General Conditions for the Offer of Financial Assistance' and your 'Neighbourhood Forum Criteria'.
Name and Number of Bank Account - Please enter the name the cheque is to be made out to if your application is successful. We must have the number of your account for the auditors.
Signatures - We cannot process your application unless there are at least two signatures on the form.
Bank Statement and Accounts - We need to see the latest bank statement and most recent accounts.
Estimates - We need to see estimates for the items you are applying for. Photocopies are acceptable.
It is very important that you enclose as much information as possible to ensure your application is dealt with speedily. This saves us having to write to you to request bank statements, estimates etc.
Some other points to note:
- Applications over £500 need a report. A Neighbourhood Forum Officer or County Council Officer will contact you to ask for more details of your project or possibly arrange to visit your organisation.
- We aim to process grant applications within eight weeks of receipt. If you don't hear from us within this time, please get in touch.
- When your grant application has been processed a recommendation will be made and we will inform you by letter.
- We will notify Financial Services and they will release your cheque (this can take 3 weeks)
- You must spend the money on the items specified on your application.
- After six months we will send you a 'Project Completion Form'. Please fill it in and return it with copies of receipts.
- If you cannot spend the money or items cost less than specified, we will ask you to return the balance.
- 1:10 grants are audited on a random basis.