Making your application

Assessing your application

General

  • One-off, defined projects, delivered within 12 months of grant being awarded
  • Captial grant awards with value of up to £25,000
  • Projects in line with the 2030 Borough Plan 

Description of the project and how it will be delivered

Make sure you include details of:

  • What your project is about and what you want to achieve
  • What activities will take place, where it will happen, and who will take part
  • When and how often the activity will take place
  • What specific equipment you intend to use the fund to purchase, what it will be used for and why it is needed

How your project makes a difference

Think about:

  • Why this project is required and the specific issue(s) 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 digital access priorities as set out in the Digital Strategy
  • 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 the project is aimed at and how will you engage with them
  • If 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 you can include: Feedback from your users/non-users, waiting lists, consultation, local or national research, for example

Costings

  • Demonstrate clear and realistic costs for the project/activity
  • Financial review of viability making sure all costs have been incorporated
  • As this is capital funding only, you will need to demonstrate how you will cover costs that do not qualify for capital if they form part of your project

How to apply

  • Applications can be submitted via completion of the online form. You are also able to view a sample pdf version. Funding will be limited to only one solo application per organisation. Organisations can, however, choose to be part of one other joint application in addition to this. In each case, there can only be one lead organisation
  • The DAFA team can provide support and advice in completing the documentation for those applicants that need such support at an early stage. Applicants can issue an outline of the proposal or discuss this verbally at the early stage
  • The DAFA team may contact applicants to clarify any technical information but not to advise on the application once it is submitted
  • 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 approximately 12 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:
    • Insurance
    • Risk assessment
    • Data protection
    • Complaints procedure
    • Safeguarding and completed DBS checks for staff working with children or vulnerable adults. 
  • 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

Advice for filling in the application form

Please be advised the application window is now closed.