How To Apply

The first thing you must do is call Tracy Grubb on (01386) 565168 for a grant application pack.

To apply for a Wychavon Community Grant, follow these five steps:-

1. Choose your project
2. Get local support
3. Fill in the two forms
4. Gather supporting information
5. Submit your application

1. Choose your project

Decide on a project that you wish to submit a grant application for. The term ‘project’ can apply to a one-off scheme with a distinct start and finish, sponsorship of an event, support for an on-going initiative. When considering your project you should take the following points into account:-

• does your project have local support (e.g. from residents; businesses; local schools)?
• will it benefit the community?
• is it achievable and are the timescales realistic?
• can you raise or secure the required partnership funding (see section 8)?
• have you got any necessary permissions (e.g. from the Council, Environment Agency) to carry out the project?

2. Get local support

It is important that applications are received with appropriate information securing local support. This could include letters from your District (see enclosed list), Parish and County Councillors.

You are also advised to the local community (e.g. residents, local groups, schools, etc) in planning your project and gain their support for it. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO APPROACH YOUR PARISH OR TOWN COUNCILLOR AND LOCAL DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ABOUT YOUR APPLICATION

You are strongly advised to approach your parish or town council and local district councillor about your application.

3. Fill in the application forms

You will need to complete and submit the following forms:-

• Application Form for Grants
• Community Plan contribution Form

If either of these forms is missing from the pack please contact Tracy Grubb on (01386) 565168. If you have any difficulties completing the forms or require large print version, other languages or Braille please let us know.

4. Gather supporting information together

Please collect the following documentation together to submit with your Application Forms:-

• evidence of local support for your project and how it meets community needs (e.g. 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;
• where appropriate, plans of proposed work.

If you are unable to provide some of the above documents you must state the reason why on the Application Form as this will invalidate your application. Please feel free to include any other relevant information in support of your application, for example photographs and diagrams.

If you are requesting a grant of £2,000 or more, 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.

If you are applying for a grant for a building project or any other project in excess of £5,000 please also enclose any of the following that are relevant:-

• A copy of the organisation’s lease or conveyance particulars, where an organisation is acquiring an existing building, will be required. These should include a report on its construction, age, present condition, drainage, services available, etc.
• Copies of any letters promising loans, grants or covenants towards your project.
• Copies of any official/professional reports confirming the necessity or desirability of the project.
• Where a project involves building work, information showing the design detail and costs of those works will be required.
• Copies of any necessary permissions and approvals, these could include an appropriate planning permission, building regulations approval, fire officers approval, Charity Commission consent for asset sales, approvals from landlords, etc.

5. Send in your application

Before you send in your application, do check that you have completed and included all of the forms and supporting information required. (see sections 3 and 4 above).

Send your completed application to: Tracy Grubb, Community Development Officer , Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcs. WR10 1PT. There is a return address label included on the front of this pack that you can use. Alternatively you can hand your application into one of the Wychavon Community Contact Centres.

The information in your application will provide the basis for determining whether you are awarded a grant. It is important that all sections of the Application Forms are completed in full and that you do supply all the necessary documantation by the closing date. Failure to do so may well result in rejection of your application.

This year the closing date for all completed applications is NOON on Friday  May 2008. No applications will be accepted after that date in any circumstances.

For more information please contact Jem Teal on 01386 565235 or email jem.teal@wychavon.gov.uk