Deadline: 7-Jul-23
The Somerset Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Main Grants so local groups can provide the extra support that some people need in the community.
That means you can ask them for money from their Main Grants if you work or volunteer for a group that supports:
- Children and young people to reach their potential and address the challenges they face
- Adults with mental health problems to maintain their own health and wellbeing
- Older people to age well and reduce isolation and loneliness
It must provide targeted support to people who face bigger challenges than most, so that they have:
- More choice and control over their own lives
- Stronger personal support networks and the ability to get to where they need to go
They are keen that the support you provide with their money is available and accessible to those who need it the most. That includes groups of people who have in the past not always benefited from their grants. This includes groups led by and for people who are:
- From minority ethnic communities
- Deaf and disabled
- LGBTQ+
- Women
Funding Information
- You can ask for £1,000 to £5,000 from their Main Grants. Most grants are for about £3,000.
- They have around £300,000 in total to give out this year.
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You can use this money for whatever you want if:
- It is within your charitable objects or stated purpose, and
- You can use it to support children and young people, adults with mental health problems or older people who face bigger challenges than most
- This can include essential running costs, like rent, utilities, insurance, or staff time. You might call these your core costs. You can also use the money for the costs of delivering a project in your community.
Eligibility Criteria
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You can only apply if you work or volunteer for a group that:
- Benefits Somerset residents (but not BANES or North Somerset)
- Is run by a committee or board of at least three unrelated people
- Has a governing document or set of rules
- Has an appropriate level of free reserves. If this is more than 12 months running costs, then you should have a policy explaining why
- Has a safeguarding policy that meets their expectations
- Has a bank account in its name, which requires at least two unrelated signatories.
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They welcome applications from groups that exist to support people in their local community. They can award money to groups that are not registered charities, but the purpose of the funding must be charitable. This means they can give a grant to:
- Community groups
- Registered charities
- Community amateur sports clubs
- Community interest companies (CIC) limited by guarantee that have a clear asset lock benefitting local communities
- Companies limited by guarantee that are not-for-profit with all surpluses re-invested back into the organisation
- Faith organisations, but not for the promotion of religion
- Community benefit societies
- Local statutory organisations, like parish councils or schools.
- If you don’t have everything listed above, then Spark Somerset may be able to support you to put them in place. Or you could talk to another group, or your local parish or town council, who could manage a grant application for you.
For more information, visit Somerset Community Foundation.