Making your application

Assessing your application

General

  • one-off, defined projects, delivered within a year
  • preferential value up to £25,000.  We will also consider bids above £25,000 if they deliver significant social value
  • projects in line with the Borough Plan which will contribute to community resilience, community cohesion or community engagement

Description of the project and how will it be delivered

Make sure you include details of:

  • what your project is about and what you want to achieve.
  • what type of project is it; socio-economic, environmental, health and wellbeing, other?
  • what activities will take place: Where it will happen: Who will take part?
  • when and how often the activity will take place. Is there a deadline for when you need to start?
  • if you are applying for equipment, what it will be used for and why it is needed.
  • how you will safely run the project

How your project makes a difference

Think about:

  • why this project is required and the issues you want to address
  • how success will be measured as part of the benefits realisation plan.
  • ensuring you have tangible outcomes that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely (SMART).
  • demonstrating how it will help deliver at least 1 of the 8 priorities as set out in the Societal Impact Framework.
  • will there be wider community benefit than just the recipients or participants?

Evidence that this project is needed

  • please explain what evidence you have that demonstrates the need for this project.
  • who is the project aimed at and how will you engage with them?
  • has something similar been attempted before and was it successful? If not, why will your project succeed where others have failed?
  • if this project does not go ahead, what are the implications?
  • other evidence can include: Feedback from your users/non-users, waiting lists, consultation, local or national research

Costings

  • demonstrate clear and realistic costs for the project/activity
  • financial review of viability making sure all costs have been incorporated.
  • value and frequency of any funding previously received from the council across all directorates

How to apply

  • applications can be submitted via the on-line form or by downloading the pdf from the website and by emailing Changing Lives.  Applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application within 2 working days.
  • the Programme Team can provide support and advice in completing the documentation for those applicants that need such support at an early stage. Applicants should contact the Programme Team for early-stage support prior to formal submission of the application. Applicants can issue an outline of the proposal or discuss this verbally at the early stage.
  • the team may contact applicants to clarify any technical information but not to advise on the application once it is submitted.
  • applications for £1,000 or under will be decided by the Director for Environment and Streetscene and will not be required to pass through the full decision-making process.
  • we will consult with ward councillors, and council officers as part of the approval process.
  • a decision-making panel with representatives from a range of directorates will review the application and make a recommendation. The panel may also require additional information; we will contact you if this is the case.
  • if the application has been completed correctly and all required supporting documents have been received, the process normally takes approx. 6-8 weeks but is subject to panel meeting dates.
  • we know that you want to get on with your exciting project and help the community, but it is also important that you have all of the necessary regulations and paperwork in place. Once the award has been confirmed we may ask you to supply some of the following statutory documents (Guidance on how complete these forms is available on our website)
    • insurance (you should budget for this in your proposal)
    • risk assessment
    • data protection
    • complaint’s procedure
    • safeguarding and completed DBS checks for staff working with children or vulnerable adults. DBSs cost around £23 for standard and around £40 for enhanced and should be budgeted for
  • once we have received the requested statutory documents we will prepare and send the Grant Award agreement and request your review, signature, and return. It is important that you do not make any commitments or expenditure until this agreement has been signed by both parties.