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From Norfolk RCC

Funding Advice

At the NRCC we understand that developing projects, sourcing appropriate funding and completing applications can be a bit of a minefield.

General funding advice is available from our Development Officers for your area, this includes running searches on Grantfinder for your projects.

We provide advice and information on a variety of funding topics including:

• Fundraising
• Business Plans
• Consultation Approaches for Communities
• Completing an application

To get you started with your fundraising we have compiled a short list of Funding Sources for Community Projects.

Throughout the year we organise:

• Funding fairs and events
• Workshops

If you would like to be added to our mailing list for these events please contact the office at officenorfolkrcc.org.uk

At the Norfolk Rural Community Council we administer a number of grants for community groups. For information and details on these funding opportunities please see the sections below.

Rural Projects Fund

All the money for this programme has now been allocated and therefore we cannot accept any more applications.

Village Hall Grant Aid Scheme

What for?

Grants may be made towards new village halls or community centres or for improvements and additions to existing buildings. This scheme is managed on behalf of Norfolk County Council.

How much can you apply for?

There are two types of grant: Major works costing over £10,000 - up to 1/3 of project costs (maximum grant £15,000) Minor Works costing between £600 and £10,000 - maximum grant also up to 1/3 of costs. To be eligible for consideration for a grant you must evidence that you have also applied to the District Council for a contribution to your project.

Who can apply?

Applicants should be management committees from halls with registered charity status. Exceptions to this may be allowed if the building is the only community facility in the village

How to apply.

The panel meets every two months to assess applications.

Application forms and information can be obtained from Norfolk RCC. Email: officenorfolkrcc.org.uk

Alternatively you can download a Village Hall Grant Aid Scheme application form here.

Sports Relief

Sports Relief programme is now closed.

Biffaward

What for?

Biffaward is a landfill tax credit scheme. Funding is directed to projects which provide and improve public amenities for communities within 10 miles of a Biffa operation. In addition, it funds projects that increase or maintain biodiversity. Biodiversity projects need to be within a 25 mile radius of a Biffa operation and with a 10 mile radius of a landfill site e.g. WREN, NEWS etc. Public access requirements must be a minimum of 104 days (excluding DA projects).

How much can you apply for?

Small Grants £250-£5,000, Main Grants (Biodiversity and Amenity) £5,000-£50,000, Flagship £150,000-£500,000.

Who can apply?

A wide variety of projects can be supported, ranging from village halls, community rooms and internet cafes to skate parks, play areas, nature reserves, green spaces, cultural projects and historic parks.

How to apply.

Biffaward Main Grant Scheme

Funding of up to £45,454 is available through the Main Grant scheme administered by Norfolk RCC in partnership with Rural Action East http://www.ruralactioneast.org.uk/.

Any application needs to be able to prove “community involvement” and have “access by the wider community” and “proven community benefit”. Examples and details of projects supported by Biffaward can be found at http://www.biffaward.org.

To make an application:

1. Complete an Expression of Interest form
   
2. Email it to Ali Ball, alisonnorfolkrcc.org.uk, at Norfolk RCC without any supporting documentation
   
3. It will then be checked through and when ready forwarded to Biffaward/RSWT for assessment. A decision will usually be made within 3 weeks approximately
   
4. If successful you will then be invited to make a Main Grant application and send it in with all supporting documentation. The panels are quarterly in January, April, June and October. Applications need to be with Biffaward/RSWT a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the panel and checked by Norfolk RCC prior to being submitted to them.
   

You need only concern yourself with stages 1-3 in the first instance.

Please ensure that you read the information which precedes the Expression of Interest form and note the qualities they wish to see for the different types of projects.

Please note that organisations will need to provide 10% third party funding. Application forms and information can be obtained from Ali Ball at Norfolk RCC. Telephone: 01362 656027 Email: alisonnorfolkrcc.org.uk

COMMA

Monday 1st March 2010 sees the launch of round four of COMMA – The Community Aggregates Fund for 2010.

What for?

COMMA supports community-based projects in Norfolk areas affected by quarrying. Almost any community activity can be supported and the Fund offers a fantastic opportunity to get the support needed to make a real difference for local people. Grants of between £3,000 and £20,000 are available.

Examples of types of project that could be funded under COMMA are:

• Improving access to the countryside and local facilities
• Improving a community space or community building
• Tree planting, allotments or green spaces
• Transport projects that can improve access to services and reduce car use
• Restoration of monuments/sites/structures and other arts and heritage projects
• Facilities for sports and other activities for children and young people
• Locally produced publications about local facilities and environment

How to apply

Full details and application forms can be found on the ACRE website from Monday March 1st 2010 http://www.acre.org.uk/sustainabledevelopment_comma.html

Completed applications must be sent to Alsion Ball at the Norfolk RCC alisonnorfolkrcc.org.uk by the May 14th 2010. Applications sent direct to ACRE will not be accepted. If applications are made electronically, you will need to forward the signed declaration and any other supporting documents in hard copy.

Once received applications will be assessed by a local panel and shortlisted applications will be put forward to the ACRE National panel. Shortlisted projects will be informed if they have been successful by July 12th 2010.

Projects are encouraged to forward their applications to Alsion Ball by April 15th for guidance on any amendments or inclusions that might enhance their application.

From March 1st full details and application forms can be found on the ACRE website - http://www.acre.org.uk/sustainabledevelopment_comma.html

How much you can apply for and criteria

The maximum grant available towards your project in this grants round is £20,000. The minimum grant available is £3,000.

Five essential conditions must be satisfied for a project to be eligible for funding in this first round of new COMMA grants:

• The community where the project is based is/has been affected by aggregates extraction or transportation of aggregates
• The proposed project is within 10 kilometres of an aggregates extraction site, either current or disused
• The proposed project must benefit the whole community or a section of the community, not an individual
• The applicant must be a community organisation, a charity or a parish council
• All project works funded by COMMA grants this year must be capable of completion by March 31st 2011.

If you would like support and guidance with your application please send it in before 15th April.

To check your project’s distance from these sites ‘as the crow flies’ please visit http://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-distance-calculator.htm and follow the instructions.

Grassroots Grants

What for?

A small grant scheme for community groups, particularly for those organisations working with disadvantaged groups including:

• Children & young people
• Older people
• People with disabilities
• People with mental health issues
• Carers
• Minority groups
• People on low income
• Homeless people
• Substance misuse

How much can you apply for?

Eligible groups can apply for up to £5,000 either in one lump sum or over the three years of the programme.

Who can apply?

To qualify groups must:

• Have a formal constitution and bank account.
• Have been active for more than a year.
• Have an income of less than £30,000 a year.
• Be largely volunteer led.
• Be meeting local community needs.

How to apply.

For more information about this funding stream please contact Norfolk Community Foundation Tel: 01603 623958, email: info@norfolkfoundation.com

Or visit their website for an application form http://www.norfolkfoundation.com/application-pack.htm