There are two funding categories available in the community services grant aid.

1. Running Costs

• a. Seeding grant: Groups making new applications for running costs can, in the first year, apply for a seeding grant up to a maximum of £300. This grant can cover initial outlay costs and administration.
• b. Community Services Premises Grant: Grants are available towards running costs of community centres or resource centres, which provide a wide programme of activities for all age groups, or which support special interest groups. We may pay grants at 75% of itemised items, up to a maximum of £2,000. Where recurring running cost applications have been awarded for three consecutive years, groups will have to complete a formal review to register the level and quality of community development achieved to date and programmed for the future.

2. Programme Costs

• a. Seasonal social programmes: Applications we consider in this section are fun days, festivals and summer schemes. In general, they are social events and activities which have been identified as the most effective ways to involve the majority of the local community.
• b. Training and development: We will support applications which clearly develop the capacity of the community. Specific interest groupings Ð such as women, men and disabled interest groups Ð may apply for grant aid towards developmental programmes specific to their needs.
• c. Environmental and community planning: We welcome suitable applications from groups for environmental studies, community research, funding of initial sketch drawings, cost estimates and projects. We will also consider applications which illustrate community consultative planning.

Conditions of Award

Our Community Services Section will:

1. Support projects and groups who fulfil the community development objectives in our Community Services strategy (contained in our Corporate strategy) and reflect our equal opportunities policy.
2. Ask how the funding application you have submitted reflects a strategic approach to the area or the issue being addressed.
3. Support individual research studies where we can gain a direct benefit.
4. Support projects and ideas which show that integrated development is taking place with statutory agencies and voluntary groups, especially inter-working groups within the same geographical area or related field of interest.
5. Review recurring running-cost applications every three years, to monitor value for money and level of community development.
6. Encourage groups - where practical - to set up in existing community facilities within their area.
7. Only fund projects from individuals and groups who live in the Borough.

Other Information

• We will encourage funded groups and individuals to take part in training or development courses, or conferences, that we have organised.
• In certain circumstances, applications may identify that music and entertainment will be provided. Please ensure that you submit your application well in advance if you are going to need an entertainments licence.
• We will acknowledge all applications for grant aid, in writing, within 10 days of receipt.
• We may defer applications if we need further information.
• We will not consider a claim that an application was lost in the post, unless you have proof of posting.
• If your application is unsuccessful, you can contact the Community Services Officer to find out why your application was rejected. Tel: 028 9034 0066 or Email: jhenderson@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Related Documents to Download:

Community Services Grant Application Form (.pdf 43KB)

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