Guidance Notes
Donor Funds
We have an on-going grant programme consisting of a number of funds established by individuals, families, trusts and companies. Each fund has criteria or themes outlining the type of community activity or charitable work which they wish to support, and some funds have specific geographic area which they award grants for (e.g. a town, village or postcode area). It is important that you call us for advice first to see if your project meets any of our donor programmes. If it is, your application will be considered and forwarded to the most appropriate fund. There is no minimum or maximum grant award on our general funds - the average grant in 2010 was around £2,500. Currently grants are awarded for up to one year.
The aim of the Community Foundation for Surrey is to award grants to community and voluntary groups that make a genuine difference to the lives of people in Surrey.
Principles
- Our resources are limited so we focus our grant making to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness;
- The grants programme is targeted to meet community needs, priorities and aspirations while responding to the wishes of donors;
- The grants programme aims to be a model process and will be monitored and developed to improve over time and in response to changing needs and circumstances;
- Groups are given support and advice in making grant applications;
- The process aims to be simple and easy for applicants whilst ensuring due diligence and correct procedures are in place.
Priorities
- Funding locally based community/voluntary groups who have a clear understanding of the needs of their community and are making a real difference.
- Funding to support changes that improve the quality of people's lives. Where appropriate and where funding is available, funding for individuals will be considered.
- Building community capacity and empowering local communities;
- Preference is given for projects which are working to become self sustaining; and wherever possible, are user led
Who can apply?
- Voluntary and community groups which are charitable in purpose and are working for the benefit of people in Surrey are eligible;
- Organisations don't have to be registered charities but should have a signed constitution (or set of rules) and a bank account that requires two signatures. Please note guidance is available to help you create a constitution if necessary;
- Statutory organisations (Councils, Parish councils and schools) can apply for funding local community initiatives which are over and above their normal statutory responsibilities and where they are working in partnership with local communities;
- In special circumstances, grants to individuals in need will be considered;
- Faith-based groups are eligible where the project clearly benefits the wider community;
What kind of projects can you apply for?
- We can make grants to most types of community activity or projects depending on the range of funds available. Please contact the Grants Administrator to discuss your project prior to making an application.
- Core, revenue and capital costs can be funded for either new or existing projects or one-off initiatives;
- Where appropriate and where funding is available, grants beyond one year will be considered where this builds the capacity and future sustainability of the group;
- Arts or sports projects are eligible where there are clear community benefits;
- Funding is not normally available for the following:
- Projects that are based outside of Surrey;
- Unspecified expenditure for general appeals or fund raising events/activities;
- Organisations requesting funding towards reserves or which have significant financial reserves, except in exceptional circumstances;
- Projects which have already occurred or items purchased prior to or during a grant application.
- Statutory obligations; or
- Political activities.
Size of grants
- Most grant awards have been made between a few hundred pounds and £5,000 for projects meeting the criteria detailed above. Please discuss the level of funding requested prior to making an application.
- You can apply at any time throughout the year. Decisions are normally made within 2 - 3 months.
- Your application will be assessed against the Community Foundation's funding criteria. Where appropriate, we will contact you to obtain any further information or arrange a site visit.
- Applications will be considered by Community Foundation trustees and by the relevant fund holder.
Safety
- If you work with children, young people or vulnerable adults, we will ask you about your child protection arrangements as part of the application process. The Community Foundation's policy is that all applicants who deal with these groups must have or be working towards a Child Protection / Vulnerable Adults Policy before any grant is paid.