SO18 Big Local Small Grants Fund – Guidance Notes

What is SO18 Big Local?

SO18 Big Local is a programme run by local people for the benefit of local people. The programme is run locally by the SO18 Big Local Partnership Committee - if you would like to get involved, please see our website or phone07528338104. The programme is funded by Big Lottery, who appointed Local Trust to run 150 Big Local programmesacross England. The Big Lottery have given each group £1million to invest in their communities over 10years. SO18 Big Local isin year 4 of its 10 year Big Local programme.

How much money is there available in the SO18Small GrantsFund?

£30,000 (across 2 rounds in 2016). We are aiming to award around5 grants of £1000-£3000,10 grants of £250-£900,and an exceptional application of up to £5000 may be considered as well.

When will the rounds be?

The closing date for the second 2016 round will be 2.30pm on September 29th 2016, with the panel sitting on October 6th. Applicants should be told of their decisions within 7 days of this date.

Please be aware that late applications will not be considered - signed applications must be received by Louise Evans at SVS (address on application form) by 2.30pm on the closing date to be eligible for the panel.

Who is eligible to apply for funding?

Voluntary organisations, registered and unregistered charities, co-operatives and non-profit organisations, local schools, and health. Priority will be given to groups who are based in SO18 Big Local area. See map of the area and list of road names included on If your group meets the specific needs of people from the SO18BigLocal area, away from the estates, we are open to hearing your argument for funding.

Can I apply more than once?

Your organisation may submit more than one application per round, if they are for different projects/activities. You may also apply if you have previously received a Small Grant from us, however please be aware that if you have previously received a Small Grant from us, and have not completed the required monitoring, that this may have a negative impact on a future application.

Exclusions

  • Individuals.
  • Anything which should be provided through statutory provision.
  • Anything which does not directly benefit the people of SO18 Big Local area.
  • Proselytising, that is the promotion of a specific religion or belief system
  • Party political activity

What does SO18 Big Local want to achieve with the small grants programme?

SO18 Big Local needs to further the aims of the national Big Local programme. The four programme outcomes for Big Local are:

  1. Communities will be better able to identify local needs and take action in response to them.
  2. People will have increased skills and confidence, so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future.
  3. The community will make a difference to the needs it prioritises.
  4. People will feel that their area is an even better place to live.

Locally, in order to meet these outcomes, we want to:

1)Enable and encourage current community groups, by offering:

a)Funding for activities which help local people to provide more opportunities to get involved with environmental action, the arts, sport, learning new skills, activities which improve health and well-being, and activities which promote fun, maintaining friendships, or making new ones.

b)Top-up funding for projects and activities.

c)Funding for equipment which supports an activity to take place - we expect you to show that this will be shared if you are only using it a few times a year, or explain why it cannot be shared.

d)Top-up or match funding for educational visits or outings if a group of people have not left SO18 Big Local area for a holiday or outing in the previous 12 months.

e)Scoping work around improving matters for people inSO18 Big Local.

2)Support new, forming groups.

3)Support City-wide or Hampshire voluntary organisations to carry out work in the SO18 Big Local area in line with our priorities.

You do not have to set up a group to achieve change in the SO18 Big Local area. You can get involved in the events run by SO18 Big Local, or apply to join SO18 Big Local Partnership committee, or you can suggest topics or areas for improvement and then help us to achieve change. Sign up, or suggest topics through Facebook - or Twitter - telephone - 07528338104

1