Community projects grants scheme

Details for the next Community Grants Scheme 2010 -2011 should be announced about September/October 2010.
If you would like further information please contact the Town Clerks Office.

Community projects grants scheme 2009 - 2010
(Now Closed)

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Criteria for Community Grants 2009 - 2010

GUIDANCE NOTES

1. Introduction

Monmouth Town Council is pleased to announce that it has set aside £10,000 for 2009/2010 to fund Community Projects. The scheme will only be applicable towards expenditure of a revenue nature, e.g. towards the cost of holding a particular event, small-scale repairs and maintenance to buildings, equipment etc.  The scheme is not applicable to capital schemes and large scale construction works such as a contribution towards a new village hall.

Applications are invited from local voluntary groups and charitable organisations within Monmouth for consideration by the Council for the award of grants of up to 75% of the total cost of projects or equipment.  The maximum grant available will not normally be more than £750 per application and applications received in the designated time period will be assessed on their merits.  The applicant will be expected to raise 25% of the cost of the project or the equipment through fund raising activities.

Applications may be submitted for contributions to projects costing up to £5000 and will be considered on their merit providing other sources of funding the balance have been secured.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that a grant would enable them to contribute towards

The Council’s Vision:

“By 2012 Monmouth will be regarded as the county town of Monmouthshire. It will be a desirable place to live work and visit and will have real and accessible transport links, the best schools in Wales, decent housing provision for all, excellent employment and business opportunities and a vibrant community life. It will be clean, green, safe, active and prosperous and a place to be proud of.”

One of the Council’s Main Objectives:

• To ensure that the organisation and finances of the town council are efficient, effective, open and transparent and accountable to the council and the wider public.
• To ensure that planning matters are exercised in accordance with the legislative and policy requirement of the council with due regard for the individuals and communities affected, the economic effects and environmental impacts.
• To ensure the council plays its full role in promoting the cleanliness and safety of the town and its open spaces.
•  To support and strengthen community activities, participation and events.

Grants will be awarded for projects and equipment to provide community benefit under the following categories:

Community and Social – to increase participation and involvement of the local community, to develop skills in voluntary groups, to improve community facilities (eg. village halls), to increase the ability of people to become more self-reliant in groups, provided that the groups receive no statutory funding, to provide or improve community facilities for people with disabilities or unemployed people, community health projects.

Environmental Enhancement – small-scale repairs and maintenance of village halls and community buildings, street furniture, notice boards, landscaping and planting.

Recreation & Leisure – to assist sports and leisure clubs in their efforts to develop and expand, particularly where this allows increased scope for the development of youth policies and financial sustainability.

Arts & Culture – to support a wide range of artistic activities and initiatives that make a contribution to the cultural life of the Town.

2. Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from groups and organisations across the Town.

Please note that applications from the following will NOT be considered:

• Individuals
• Organisations seeking to promote, support or oppose any political party
• Commercial businesses
• Church Councils or religious organisations, although voluntary groups linked to a church or religious body may be considered

Applications from national organisations having local branches may be considered, but must demonstrate that the project will be of benefit, either directly or indirectly, to communities in Monmouth.

Playgroups must clearly explain their status, i.e. voluntary, non-profit making, business etc.

Grants for certain fund raising activities, and other projects which are expected to realise a profit but require initial funding, will be made as a guarantee against loss or be conditional on the grant being returned if a profit is realised.

Retrospective applications will not be considered.

3. How to apply

Firstly, the application should identify and cost the project or equipment.  Twenty five per cent of the cost will have to be raised by the applicant through local fundraising or from balances, so consideration must be given to how this can be achieved.

The Council’s application form must be completed by a responsible member of the organisation and submitted by 27th February 2009 with the following supporting documents:

• The Constitution of the Organisation (if applicable) or at least, the aims and objectives of the organisation
• Copy of the costing for the project
• New organisations should submit a business plan and budget
• Copies of the audited accounts and balance sheets for the last two years (for new organisations, the bank statements to date will suffice)
• Up-to-date current account and investment account balances
• The last Annual Report of the organisation (if applicable).
• Copy of the public liability insurance certificate
• Copies of the Equal Opportunities Policy, Health and Safety Policy and Child Protection Policy for the organisation (if applicable)
• Copies of any permission needed to carry out the project (eg. planning permission etc).
• For community health projects, a letter of support from a health professional.

One body, the Community Affairs Committee appointed by the Council from the full membership of the Council, ensuring that all parts of the Town are fully represented, will consider and determine grants under the scheme.  The Committee has full delegated powers to award the full grant allocation. 

4. Terms and Conditions

• Grants, if approved, may be awarded for up to 75% of the total project cost.  The balance of funds must be raised by local fundraising or from balances.

• Once a grant has been offered no change can be made and no allowance for inflation can be given

• Grants must be taken up within 12 months of the offer.

• VAT will not be paid to VAT registered organisations.

• Any revenue consequences of the project or equipment will be the responsibility of the applicant’s organisation

• The applicant must issue an official acknowledgement of receipt of the grant and provide updates on its use and inform the Council when the project is completed.

• The Council will reserve the right to inspect the project from time to time during progress and at completion.  Photographs may be taken, where appropriate, and used by the Council in publicity for the Grant Scheme.

• Applicants are requested to acknowledge the support provided by the Council in any publicity or related materials.  Copies of the Council’s logo can be obtained from the Town Clerk at Market Hall, Prsiory Street, Monmouth