We recognise that the voluntary sector makes a major contribution to the quality of the life of people who live and work in the borough. This contribution can be complementary or supplementary to our work or that of other agencies. The voluntary sector can be more efficient and/or cost effective than if we were to be directly involved.
Within agreed overall resources, we will provide support to voluntary and community sector organisations, either directly or in partnership with other agencies. We will target our support to those organisations that contribute towards the achievement of our general priorities and objectives and, more specifically, those set out in the Community Strategy. The major themes of which are:
- community spirit
- environment
- transport
- housing
- health and wellbeing
- life long learning opportunities.
We will publicise widely the availability of support to the voluntary and community sector, together with the conditions with which applicants are expected to comply in making an application.
In determining whether a grant should be made, the voluntary organisation will be expected to demonstrate:
- how its aims meet our priorities and objectives
- how much progress has been made from its own efforts in achieving its aims, including the raising of necessary resources
- how the grant will improve the likelihood that the aims will be achieved, and represents value for money.
We will make assistance available in a variety of ways:
- one-off grants
- on-going revenue support
- discretionary rate relief
- concessionary rents and/or provision of accommodation
- indirect support, such as provision of officer time and/or access to services.
After a grant has been made, the recipient will be required to show how the money has been spent and the extent to which the objectives of making the grant have been achieved.
The approval of all grants will be as a result of decisions taken fairly and openly, with the justification and conditions attached to any grant clearly recorded. We will publish an annual report of support provided, and a summary of the community benefits gained.
Contact us
Frank Jeffrey, Democratic Services Manager
Phone: 01483 743 012