A government-backed funding organization has made money available to support and strengthen small community organisations operating in the rural areas of the South West Region. Funds of up to £1000 are available (It is expected that most grants will be in the region of £200-£600) and a fast turnaround time for making a decision is promised (two weeks).

The focus will be on activities that enable people from diverse backgrounds to become engaged in their neighbourhoods and communities and to support those organisations that are bringing about real change to the lives of the people who live in those communities.

In deciding how to allocate funds, priority will be given to "small community  organisations that are addressing the needs of people in their communities by engaging people in community activity either as volunteers or as people benefiting from  the funded activities; and charitable organisations with running costs under £15,000 (although organisations with larger running costs that can demonstrate a small amount of funding will make a real difference will be considered if they meet the rest of the criteria)"

The Foundation will NOT consider applications from organisations whose prime focus is sports or arts, or for capital building and major refurbishment works.

All organisations must have a constitution or set of rules and a bank account in the name of the organisation with at least 2 signatories.

Contact the Southwest Foundation for more information about grants and application forms: info@southwestfoundation.org.uk

Links: http://www.the-foundation.org.uk

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The Purpose of the Fund

The overall aim of the programme is to support and strengthen small Community Organisations operating in the rural areas, market and coastal towns (not large urban conurbations) of the South West Region. The focus will be on activities that enable people from diverse backgrounds to become engaged in their neighbourhoods and communities and to support those organisations that are bringing about real change to the lives of the people who live in those communities.

Where and who should projects be aimed at?

Priority will be given to:

• small Community  Organisations that are addressing the needs of people in their communities by engaging people in community activity either as volunteers or as people benefiting from  the funded activities
• charitable organisations with running costs under £15,000 although organisations with larger running costs that can demonstrate a small amount of funding will make a real difference will be considered if they meet the rest of the criteria.

Help with Organisational Development

The Foundation aims to act as a broker to assist small Community Organisations funded through this programme to link into appropriate developmental help that is available. If you are successful in accessing funding through this programme we may be contacting you to see if there is any developmental help that you can be linked to that could assist your organisation.

The Foundation will NOT consider applications from the following:

Organisations:

• whose prime focus is sports or arts ( unless these are aimed at working with people  who are within one of the Foundation's priority areas for funding)
• which do not have charitable purposes
• where there is not a clear local management presence or management committee
• submitting applications compiled by professional fundraisers without significant and clear involvement of the organisation applying for funding
• who themselves are grant or fundraising bodies making bodies
• who are constituted as ‘friends of'
• The Foundation is unlikely to fund Community Interest Companies ( CICs) because many are not clearly charitable

Projects:

• for capital building and major refurbishment works
• for retrospective funding ( money already spent)
• to pay off debts incurred
• not operating in the South West region
• supporting sponsored events including expeditions
• for research, including medical research
• for general large appeals
• the Foundation can support faith groups but not activities that promote and/or advance religion
• for animal welfare
• substituting monies or services provided by the statutory sector and/or projects closely associated with the provision of statutory services
• substituting monies or grants that have previously been provided through Capacity Builders Funding .
• for Party political promotion and campaigning
• for fees of professional fundraisers
• for educational bursaries
• contributing towards the salaries of full time or part time permanent staff (sessional fees are acceptable)
• trips abroad
• unitemised part funding towards larger projects where it is not clear what difference funding from the Foundation will make
• funding for large capital items which do not directly benefit users of the service

Equal Opportunities

The Foundation is committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and expects applicants to demonstrate their commitment to equality of opportunity.

Free Reserves

Priority will be given to applicants with less than 12 months running costs in free reserves. If you have a higher level than this you will be asked to demonstrate clear reasons for this

Applications

All organisations must have a constitution or set of rules and a bank account in the name of the organisation with at least 2 signatories. Applications must be made on an application form. We will try and give you a decision within 14 days of receiving your completed form.

If you have any queries about your eligibility please contact the Foundation on 01275333666

The South West Foundation, The Stables, Westway Farm, Bishop Sutton, Somerset ,BS39 5XP: Tel 01275333666