Eligible organisations and groups
The Fund is available for community groups, charities, faith groups (not for the promotion of religion), social enterprises and Community Interest Companies. Community groups are groups which are not public or local authorities (such as county, district, town, and parish councils) or businesses operated solely for profit. The activities of the community group will be primarily for the benefit of the community. The way in which groups demonstrate community benefit will vary depending on their legal form.
As community activity in many rural areas is often led or supported by the parish council, funding may, in exceptional cases, be granted to support activities which are for the benefit of the community, but which are directly delivered by the rural parish councils. Funding must not be used to supplement services or functions provided by the parish council which are or could normally be provided through its own resources.
Where a small group or one which is newly established and does not hold a bank account, funds may be paid to the holding account of a public sector partner or established community organisation with their agreement on the strict understanding that funds can only be used for the stated purpose. This governance procedure is called ‘in trust’. If this applies to you, please ensure you set this out in your application including details of the public sector/community organisation who will be holding the money on your behalf.
Grants are intended to support activities and facilities delivered by voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations / groups only. Groups/organisations must have access to a bank account in the name of the organisation, but Town and Parish Councils can only apply on behalf of a VCSE organisation/group, for example, if they do not have a bank account in place or the fund is for a community building.