Community Funding Surgery

If you belong to a community group, sports group or social club and

have plenty of ‘Big’ ideas on how to make a real difference in your

village, why not book an appointment at our forthcoming community

project funding surgery?

With support from Babergh District Council, Suffolk County

Council's external funding team will be booking two venues across the

district with the purpose of helping community groups investigate their

project ideas.

The first of the surgeries will be taking place at Hundon Village Hall 

on 31st August and whilst this is out of our district it is open to Babergh

groups too.

So whether you've got initial or more developed ideas on community

projects ranging from health, heritage, tourism, countryside, arts,

community care, events, environment or sports, why not take the

opportunity to present and discuss them at a pre-booked

appointment?

Ideally we’re looking to meet with groups who have plans or ideas

relating to projects that will make a real impact in their local

community.

We’ve developed 7 appointments throughout each day, so you and a

colleague can informally discuss your community project ideas.

To reserve your slot, contact Jim Brown

email: jim.brown@suffolk.gov.uk or tel: 0780 959 4530

Applications for Capital Grant Funding 2010/11

Please read through the guidance notes further down this page and if you have a query regarding Babergh grant funding please contact us.  Please provide your name, your organisation's name and a telephone number and a brief note about your project.

Applications for the first round of capital grants for the financial year 2010/11 have now closed. However, if you have a capital project that still requires funding  please telephone to discuss your proposal first.   Application forms are available from the Babergh Community Grants Officer.  Contact details are at the bottom of this page.

 
We are happy to discuss any particular project with you before you submit an application.

The next closing date has not yet been decided.

Applications for revenue funding or core funding are not being accepted  for 2010/11.

Funding Opportunity

Suffolk ACRE are managing a small pot of money under the Performance Reward Grant scheme of £40,000 to assist voluntary/community groups wishing to set up shops, Post Offices, community regeneration schemes, community pub schemes, etc. 

 For further information please contact barry.henson@suffolkacre.org.uk; tel: 01473 345300. 

A number of capital projects funded by Babergh from 2009/10 have been completed as follows.

• The Bridge Project, Sudbury, work to enchance kitchen facilites.  This project supports adults with learning disabilities and provides a lunch club for the elderly.
• Harkstead Village Hall £500 towards roof insulation.
• Stutton Community Council - £750 an innovative project to introduce a rickshaw transport scheme.
• Pinewood Short Mat Bowls Club - £750 for start up equipment costs for this new club.
• 2470 Sudbury Squadron Air Training Corps - £750 towards purchase of minibus.
• Cockfield Community Council - £565 towards improvements to their IT equipment.
• Edens Project, Sudbury - £746 towards new equipment.
• Boxford Village Hall - £6,700 towards roof renewal and electrical re-wiring.
• Bures Cricket Club - £5,000 towards pavilion refurbishments.
• Milden Pavilion - £2,000 towards a car park improvement scheme
• Lawshall Village Hall - £2,350 towards roof repairs.
• Bildeston Parish Council - £750 equipment to help establish a new coffee cafe in the village.
• East Bergholt Sports Council - tennis court re-surfacing £5,650

Countryside Grants made recently

• Lawshall forest for our children - £145 hedge plants and regeneration work around a new pond
• Hartest - £1,000 tree work on the green
• Chelsworth - £628 hedge planting
• Preston St Mary - trees on the green

Capital Projects completed during 2008/09 with Babergh Grant aid include:

• Sproughton Parish Council - Furniture for tithe Barn - £615
• Freston Village Hall - Kitchen work - £595
• Bures Carpet Bowls Club - equipment - £750
• Long Melford Cricket Club - Scoreboard - £750
• Copdock & Washbrook Pre-School - Wildlife Area - £375
• Hitcham Carpet Bowls Club - Bowls mat - £750
• Brantham Parish Council - Sports equipment - £750
• Polstead Village Hall - Storage - £1,648
• Lavenham Parish Council - Play Equipment - £1,600
• Stutton Community Hall - new flat roof - £3,940
• Lawshall Village Hall - toilet refurbishment and ramped access £3,100
• Copdock & Old Ipswichians Cricket Club - new practice wickets - £2,860
• Tattingstone Village Hall - replacement floor - £4,000
• Brettenham Village Hall - replacement floor - £3,000
• Leavenheath Village Hall - replacment windows and doors - £3,000
• Copdock & Washbrook Playingfield Committee - £570
• Layham Road Tennis Club - court re-surfacing - £5,000
• Boxford Playing field committee - Play area - £5,000
• Stoke by Nayland Village Hall Committee - kitchen works - £3,250
• Whatfield Village Hall - Insulation works - £5,000
• Holbrook Pre-school Playgroup - play equipment - £2,500
• East Bergholt Cricket Club - Artificial Cricket Wicket - £1,350
• Suffolk Wildlife Trust - Access works Assington - £3,800
• Stoke by Nayland - £5,600 towards car park works
• Orivs Farm, Flatford (National Trust) - £5,300 disabled persons accessible pathways
• The Bridge Project, Sudbury - £7,800 improvement works to kitchen

Quick links:

• General advice,
• Application Process,
• Assessment,
• Minor Grants,
• Community Grants,
• Core Funding,  - not available for 2010/11
• Business Workspace Grants,
• Countryside Grants,
• Key Principles.
• Frequently Asked Questions

For enquiries please contact us by one of the methods below.  Please read the following guidance before requesting application forms. 

General Advice

GENERAL

These notes are designed to help you complete the grant application forms we have sent you.  The advice is not exhaustive, but we suggest you do read them through before you start to complete the forms.  If you have any queries please contact us by one of the methods below and we will help where we can.

All voluntary and community organisations should visit the Babergh Communities Together website or contact them on 08453 706340, 07902 282 573 or info@bctsuffolk.org.uk  where their staff will be happy to advise on other sources of grant funding. We do expect you to have looked at alternative sources. Babergh Communities Together can also advise on other organisational issues. For larger capital projects please contact the County Council for advice and for village hall projects speak to Suffolk Acre.

The aim of Babergh grant funding is to support a range of activities that deliver important services and projects that benefit our community and align with Babergh Strategic Plan.
 
We will consider all applications received; however, we are not always able to meet applications in full and in some cases it will not be possible for us to fund your project as funds are limited.

The questions on the application forms relate directly to our appraisal criteria, so it is important to complete the form as fully as possible. All applications must be submitted on the standard application form together with supporting documentation as requested. Please do not send information in an alternative format, such as your own reports, except where this is requested as we will not use this to assess your project. Any other documents we want to see will be requested after we have seen your application.

Other than in exceptional circumstances money allocated MUST be spent within the specified financial year.

Retrospective applications are not eligible for grant aid and we will not grant aid anything where an order for works, services or supplies has already been issued.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is as follows:

1. All completed application forms should be sent direct to the Community Grants Officer at the address shown on the application form. 
2. You will need to complete  two separate forms
   • PART ONE – to be completed for all applications -
   • PART TWO – a grant specific supplement, Community Facilites, Countryside, Play etc.
3. The Community Grants Officer will check that applicants for grants have contacted other agencies - Babergh Communities Together, Suffolk ACRE or other appropriate advisers to ensure other funding has been applied for where appropriate. 
4. The Community Grants Officer will obtain input from specialist/expert Babergh fficers on detailed matters during assessment
5. The first tranch of applications will be assessed by Babergh officers during February each year.  A bi-monthly assessment will be made during the remainder of the year if necessary to assess any other applications if there are funds available.
6. Applicants will be advised as soon as possible after the assessment as to the outcome of their application.

Applications for grants to be considered in March 2010 should be submitted to the Community Grants Officer by 1st February 2010.

If you have a capital project that you think may qualify for a Babergh Grant for 2010/11 please read through these guidance notes and then contact the Grants Team to discuss your proposal. 

Applications for Countryside Grants may be considered at any time.

If you have any questions about completing these forms please contact the Community Grants Officer on 01473 825872.

Details of applications will be treated as confidential, but once grant aid has been achieved, the Council reserves the right to make public certain details, notably the name of the successful applicant, the nature of the project/proposal and the amount awarded.

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ASSESSMENT

The applications will be assessed by reference to criteria that have informed the questions asked on each form. These involve identifying and aiming to meet a local need, your organisational capacity, financial considerations, alignment with Babergh’s strategic objectives and projected outcomes from the funding. It is therefore very important that you answer the questions accurately.

Please do not assume that we will pick-up supporting information from other sources.  What is written on the form will be most important.

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MINOR GRANTS – grants up to £750

A small grants pot has been set aside to fund applications up to £750 per project with a streamlined application process. Applications will be considered where the applicant can demonstrate the value of Babergh’s contribution to the project. Ability to demonstrate matched funding is preferable but not essential.

The grants fund will support capital and revenue projects. It is intended to support applications for activities and facilities provided by community groups within the district.

Example Eligible Activities

•  Organising a community event
•  Parish amenity/hedgerow planting, wildlife garden
•  Playgroup equipment
•  Delivering arts activity or increased opportunities for arts activity
•  Setting up a pilot project
•  Running a conference or seminar

 Support will not be available for:

• general running costs related to existing projects or activities, maintenance, rent payments etc.

• revenue costs associated with on going running costs of playgroup, pre-school or out of school activities

• Activities promoting religious or political beliefs

• Goods or services bought or ordered before the grant is awarded

Eligible agencies

• Parish or Town Councils, Community Councils, Parish Meetings
• Sports or Recreation Clubs
• Voluntary Organisations
• Landowners – for countryside grants

INELIGIBLE AGENCIES - we cannot fund activities that are for religious or political benefit or organisations that run to generate a profit for distribution to individuals.

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COMMUNITY GRANTS – Grants above £750

CAPITAL PROJECTS

The Council will only consider grant aid where the capital cost exceeds £750. The amount sought from Babergh must be matched at least on a pound for pound basis with local money. For example, if a project costs £40,000 and £20,000 has been received from non-local funding sources e.g. lottery, then a grant for £10,000 could be sought from Babergh provided £10,000 has been raised with local funding.  Projects can include new playgrounds, village halls and improvements to sports facilities. Information on playground and safer surface design, construction, supply and grant aid (PDF, 59Kb).

Funding for capital projects will only be considered where the finished project is available to all members of the community, whether this is open access or by hire charge.

Applications for capital projects will be considered on a merit basis, account will be taken of allocations made during the previous two years

We will always consider the additional life that capital funding will give a project. 

DOCUMENTATION

For applications up to the value of £5,000 please submit the two part application form, we may ask you for further information later.

For applications above £5,000 please supply a copy of your latest audited accounts and a business plan.  We may ask you to supply other information once an initial assessment of the application has been made.

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REVENUE PROJECTS - Not available for 2010/11 

The Council will consider applications for revenue projects that require at least £750 from Babergh. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that matched funding has been sought from other sources, and priority will be given to those groups that already have matched funding.

ELIGIBLE AGENCIES

• Parish or Town Councils, Community Councils, Parish Meetings
• Sports or Recreation Clubs
• Voluntary Organisations
• Landowners – for countryside grants

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CORE FUNDING - Not available for 2010/11

This fund will be utilised for funding organisations on a longer term basis and will support operational/running costs as well as projects. A 3 year agreement will be provided with close monitoring of outputs and outcomes. New applicants for core funding to Babergh will be expected to apply to the community fund in the first instance before being considered for core funding in subsequent years.  Where existing legal agreements are in place these will be complied with where necessary.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

The purpose of the Core Funding support is to assist the effective delivery and
improvement of services operating within Babergh that are needed by, and which bring direct benefit to local residents. Emphasis is given, in particular to those who are disadvantaged or experience limited access to fair and affordable services.

Core funding is available for the operational activities of the service, including
management, administration and overhead costs and delivery of services.
Applications can come from parish groups, community groups, registered charities, service providers, and voluntary bodies, companies limited by guarantee and individuals – anyone proposing to improve or establish a local service.
Applicants can apply more than once, provided the proposal is for the provision of different services.

LEVEL OF GRANT AID

Successful applicants will be subject to a 3-year funding deal set out in an agreement. There are no stated maximum or minimum levels of funding for core applicants.

To be eligible applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria: -

1. Be a strategic organisation – a partnership body that Babergh needs to work with to deliver the Council’s Corporate Objectives
2.  Provide an important local service – an organisation that delivers Babergh’s Corporate Objectives or the Local Area Agreement
3. Brings in additional funding from other sources
4. Makes a significant contribution to delivery of Babergh’s Corporate Objectives
5. Delivers key/core services on Babergh’s behalf
6. Provides a service that the Council would otherwise have to provide
7. Demonstrate a proven track record of delivery in Babergh funded by the Council

ELIGIBLE AGENCIES

• Voluntary and Community Organisations
• Local partnerships

INELIGIBLE AGENCIES - we cannot fund activities that are for religious or political benefit or organisations that run to generate a profit for distribution to individuals.

LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS (LSP) AND LOCAL AUTHORITY AGREEMENT (LAA)

Applicants for Service Level Agreements are advised to check the One Suffolk website for details of the LAA. Details of targets and other strategic objectives can be found here.

The Western Suffolk Strategic Partnerships Community Strategy and the Babergh East Strategy can be found on the Local Strategic Partnership page.

Groups will be required to complete a monitoring form on an annual basis, this will be sent to them with the offer for the following year.  Funds will not be released until the form has been completed, returned to the Grants Officer and checked.






BUSINESS WORKSPACE GRANTS

This fund incorporates two main activities:

• Discretionary Rate Relief for Shops and Voluntary Bodies
• Business Workspace Growth Grants

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

Workspace grants are available for the conversion of redundant buildings to form new employment workspace.  The grant may be provided to a maximum of 25% of the costs of eligible works to a maximum value of £5,000 per project. 

Discretionary rate relief is available as a top-up to statutory rate relief or as an entirely discretionary relief. Level of relief depends upon the type of activity being supported.

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GRANTS FOR COUNTRYSIDE PROJECTS

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KEY PRINCIPLES FOR ALL APPLICATIONS

The following key principles apply to the Babergh Grant Programme:-

• Grants may be applied for by organisations or individuals as appropriate in line with eligibility criteria
• Voluntary or community organisations who apply will only be considered if they:
  • provide a service for the benefit of Babergh people;
  • can produce evidence to show advice has been sought from a recognised source. e.g. Babergh Communities Together or Suffolk County Council’s external funding team.
• Are a registered charity or have an agreed constitution, and is capable of obtaining from its own funds or other sources, the balance of the costs;
• Are able to evidence suitable financial management.
• Have an equal opportunities and health and safety policy or statement for
   employees and volunteers;
• Provide services which accord with Babergh’s own priorities (as expressed in the Council’s Corporate Plan), do not duplicate services already being provided or grant aided, and that will meet proven identified needs.
• In the case of ‘start up’ initiatives, evidence of the need for the new service to be supported will have to be substantiated and reflect community demand;
• in the case of existing services evidence of continuing need and threat of loss must be shown.
• Can demonstrate the value of Babergh’s contribution to the funding of the project.
• Have, or are intending to introduce an appropriate system for monitoring and evaluating activities and outcomes of the services to be funded.
• In keeping with Babergh District Council’s Corporate Plan, applications will only be considered for activity in keeping with our Corporate Objectives:
• Promote healthy living and reduce health inequalities;
• Increase the supply of housing that local people can afford to rent or buy;
• Maintain a safe, clean and sustainable environment;
• Give easy convenient access to quality services;
• Raise individual and community ambitions, and encourage active citizenship.
• Recoverable VAT will not be grant aided.
• Retrospective applications are not eligible for grant aid.
• The inclusion of voluntary labour and or ‘in kind’ contributions towards the estimated total project costs will be permissible, provided such costs are clearly defined and costed.
• All applications must be submitted on the standard application form together with supporting documentation as requested.
• Where the application provides a facility or service that extends beyond the boundaries of the Babergh area, consideration will be given to the funding secured from neighbouring local authorities when assessing the level of Babergh support applicable.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q: If I’m not sure which grant I should apply for, how can I get guidance?

If you have read the Babergh Grants website and you are still unsure, please contact the Community Grants Officer on 01473 825872

2. Q:   If I have a problem completing a Babergh Grants form, who do I contact?

For information regarding Babergh community, capital or revenue grants please contact the Community Grants Officer, using one of the methods below. 

3. Q: Where can I obtain more information regarding grant funding generally?

The Babergh Communities Together website contains funding advice for voluntary and community groups in the area.  You can contact them on 08452 606340 or 08453 706340 or  info@bctsuffolk.org.uk.  Babergh Communities Together is open Monday to Friday  9.30am to 3.30pm and is situated in the Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough Street, SUDBURY. CO10 2EU.

There is a link on the community Grants webpage that takes you to some other funding organisations.

4. Q: What’s the maximum value of grant can I expect?

This depends on the type of grant you apply for.  Minor grants up to £750 are considered for a wide range of projects, events and equipment. 

There is no maximum amount, however, the grants fund is limited and Babergh would not usually expect to fund more than 35% to 40% of any capital project.  Funds are usually allocated just before the beginning of the new financial in April

The grants allocation also pays regard to the Babergh Draft Strategic Plan and any funding will take guidance from this document for its priorities in any year.

You may not receive the full amount you applying for.  Any funding limits are explained for each specific grant on the detailed information on the grants webpage.

5. Q: If I applied last year and received funds, can I also apply this year?

Yes, decisions are made on an annual basis and decided on individual merit of the scheme. If the scheme is oversubscribed in any one year we will take into account allocations made in the previous two years.

6. Q: If the funds for a specific type grant have all been used, how long will I have to wait until funds are available again?

Grant fund applications open in the autumn.  A closing date for applications is announced for late January and grant funds are available from 1st April each year.  This applies to community revenue, community capital and minor grants.  Grants for countryside projects may be available all year depending on demand.

7. Q: How long does it take to get a decision?

The applicant will be made aware of the closing date for annual applications, a grants panel meeting takes place approximately four weeks after the closing date and applicants are advised of the outcome with 10 working days.

8. Q: How do I find out what stage my application is at?

This will be apparent from information on the website and communication with the Community Grants Officer during the application process.

9. Q: If my group is awarded a grant, how will the funds be paid to us?

Payments are made to the applicants’ bank account via BAC’s where possible.  This is after the project is complete on submission of receipted invoices and after completion checks have been made by relevant officers.

10. Q: Will I have to pay the money back ?

 In certain circumstances Babergh District Council reserve the right to reclaim any or all of the funding.  This includes in the instance of the sale of buildings or land that received grant funding within a given period.

11. Q:  Can I apply for a grant to be used outside the Babergh district?

Broadly speaking - no.  Babergh Grants are made for activities or services that benefit our community. 

We may however, consider offering grants to organisations outside the district where a real benefit can be seen to be made for Babergh residents.

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