Policies & Procedures

Grant Awarding Policy

Grant Awarding Policy

Adopted on: 30th June 2025 Minute 70/25

1. Purpose of the Policy

Thimbleby Parish Council is committed to supporting and strengthening the local community. This policy outlines the framework for awarding grants to local organisations, groups, and initiatives that provide benefit to the residents of Thimbleby.

2. Aims and Objectives

Grants are intended to:

  • Support local groups that improve the quality of life for parish residents.
  • Promote community cohesion and engagement.
  • Encourage the development of local facilities, events, and services.
  • Foster volunteering, cultural, and recreational activities.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a grant, applicants must:

  • Be a not-for-profit group, voluntary organisation, community association, or local charity.
  • Provide services or activities that directly benefit residents of Thimbleby.
  • Have a written constitution or governing document.
  • Operate a bank account in the name of the organisation.

Grants will not be awarded to:

  • Individuals or private businesses.
  • Political or religious groups for activities that promote their views.
  • Organisations intending to use the grant for national fundraising or activities outside the parish.

4. Application Process

  • Applicants are encouraged to use the Grant Application Form (see Appendix 1). Use of the form is not mandatory, but it gathers key information the Council may require to assess an application effectively.
  • Applications should be submitted to the Parish Clerk by [insert deadlines or state rolling applications].
  • The Parish Council may request up to two full financial years of accounts and will consider any other resources available to the applicant organisation when making funding decisions.

5. Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • The direct benefit to residents of Thimbleby.
  • Value for money and demonstrated financial need.
  • Sustainability of the project or activity.
  • Evidence of community involvement or volunteer support.
  • Whether other funding sources have been sought or secured.

6. Grant Conditions

  • Grant recipients must use the funds solely for the purpose stated in the application.
  • Any unused funds must be returned to the Council.
  • A short written report on how the grant was used and its impact should be submitted within six months.
  • The Council may request receipts or proof of expenditure at its discretion.

7. Decision-Making

  • All decisions on grant awards will be made by the full Parish Council at a scheduled meeting.
  • Decisions are final, and there is no appeal process.

8. Funding Limits

  • Grants will normally be awarded up to a maximum of £[insert amount] per organisation per financial year.
  • Larger amounts may be considered under exceptional circumstances and subject to available budget.

9. Publicity

  • Successful applicants may be asked to acknowledge the support of Thimbleby Parish Council in any publicity or event materials.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation or Council policy.

 

 

Appendix 1: Grant Application Form

Thimbleby Parish Council – Grant Application Form Completion of this form is optional but recommended.

 

1. Organisation Details

· Name of organisation:

· Address:

· Contact name:

· Position in organisation:

· Telephone number:

· Email address:

· Website (if applicable):

 

2. About Your Organisation

· What are the main aims and activities of your organisation?

 

· How many members do you have?

 

· Is your organisation a registered charity? □ Yes □ No If yes, Charity Number:

 

3. Project or Activity Description

· Please describe the project, event, or activity you are seeking funding for:

 

· What are the intended outcomes or benefits to the residents of Thimbleby?

 

· What is the total cost of the project?

 

 

· How much funding are you requesting from Thimbleby Parish Council?

 

· If applicable, how will the remaining funds be sourced?

 

 

 

4. Financial Information

· Please attach your most recent financial accounts. (The Parish Council may also request accounts for the previous year.)

 

· Does your organisation hold any reserves or other available funds? □ Yes □ No If yes, please explain:

 

 

 

5. Declaration

I confirm that the information provided is accurate and that any grant received will be used only for the purposes stated in this application.

Signed: ___________________________                                                  Date: _____________________________

Position: ___________________________

Name: ____________________________