Update on Small Grants for Local Communities - June 2012

The Small Grants programme for 2012-13 opened on 2^nd April and closed on 8^th May - the money available for 2012/13 is £200,000. This grant programme has proved to be in high demand with Nottingham City Council receiving applications totalling £471,000.

Although it is great news to have such an interest in these grants this does mean that there will be a delay with the decision making process - but we still aim to notify all organisations of decisions by 1^st July 2012 so summer programmes can still take place.

An initial assessment has taken place and those that did not meet the grant criteria have been notified. Letters have also been sent to other applicants about the oversubscription and delay.

More information

• When can I apply
• How much can I apply for?
• Who is eligible to apply?
• What will the funds support?
• Application forms and guidance notes

Each of Nottingham's wards has a small budget, and has set its own priorities for funding. Local residents and Councillors will be involved in the allocation of grants, through the Area Committees. Funding has been allocated to each ward depending on their level of need, deprivation and disadvantage.

When can I apply?

Applications for the first round of grant funding closed at 11am on May 8th 2012. A second funding round will take place later this year, and details of timescales for this will be announced shortly. Please do not submit a grant form now, as it will not be considered.

There will be 2 rounds of applications in 2012-2013. The timeline for the first round is as follows:

• 2nd April 2012 - Grant round opens
• 8th May 2012 11am - Grant round closes (applications that arrive after 11am will not be accepted)
• 13th Jun 2012 - Announcement of successful grant applications. Please see the top of this page for an update. 
• 1st July 2012 - Projects may begin

How much can I apply for?

Voluntary and community sector groups can apply for grants of between £1,001 and £20,000. However, some wards have set a limit on the amount you can apply for, so please check the Ward Priorities document carefully.

The following wards have set a limit on the maximum grant which you can apply for:

• Aspley: £2,000 maximum
• Berridge: £1,500 maximum
• Bestwood: £1,001 maximum
• Bulwell Forest: £2,000 maximum
• Dales: £1,500 maximum
• Sherwood: £2,000 maximum

Applications for £1,000 or less should be directed to your Ward Councillor, via your local Neighbourhood Development Officer. 

If your activity covers more than one ward, you can apply for funding across more than one ward grant panel; however the maximum you can apply for in total is still £20,000.

Who is eligible to apply?

Most community and voluntary organisations or groups, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations who are working to develop activities and services within the city boundary are eligible to apply. You must be able to supply various policies and statements -  please click here for more details in the specific grants guidance. [1Mb].

What will the funds support?

The funding will support costs like the examples below. In all cases, the costs must relate closely to the activity you are providing, and you must be able to complete your activity within 12 months.

• Rent: using premises to deliver your project or hire a venue for an event
• Publicity: producing a leaflet or newsletter to advertise your activities
• Expenses: reasonable travel, parking or lunch allowance for volunteers undertaking activities
• Training: necessary courses for volunteers
• Equipment: arts & crafts materials, sports kit, first aid kits etc
• Administrative costs: membership costs, general stationery for running the project
• Trips: coach/minibus hire, bus fares and admission fees as part of a programme of activities
• Workshops: special activity sessions with specialist workers
• Support: inclusion of disabled children in play settings
• Salaries: employment of sessional workers
• Infrastructure: improvements to community facilities

 Please click here for more details in the specific grants guidance [1Mb]

Application forms and guidance notes

Applications are not currently being accepted, so the grant forms have been removed. These will be added onto this page when applications re-open later this year.