What is it?
The Community Facilities Grant is a fund that Westcountry sets aside so that groups of residents can apply for money.
Grants are for projects or amenities that will either:
- Strengthen communities directly through the facility provided. For example: community social activities, young peoples’ activity clubs, support for parent and toddler groups, positive parenting courses.
- Strengthen communities indirectly through the act of talking about, consulting on, applying for and using the grant. For example; any of the above as well as planting in communal areas, putting up bat boxes etc.
How are Grant Applications assessed?
Applications must show that a grant will do any or all of the following:
- Improve the sense of community
- Reduce crime or the fear of crime
- Reduce vandalism
- Lower the chance of neighbour disputes starting
- Improve facilities or amenities
- Enhance the environment
Who approves the Grants?
Local residents in the Area Group consider the applications and make decisions for awards of up to £500. The Area Groups will also consider applications for larger amounts and make recommendations to the Joint Liaison Committee. For amounts over £500, applications must be accompanied by a Housing Officer’s report.
The Joint Liaison Committee, made up of residents, board members and staff make decisions about grant applications exceeding £500. There is no lower or upper limit to the amount you can apply for.
Is there anything the Grants can’t be used for?
Grants are not intended to fund anything that is already a legal responsibility of Westcountry or that would normally be provided by Wescountry.
Generally, grants are for one off items or activities and not for recurring costs. However, grants may be made that will help a project get started or to continue through a short period of difficulty.
How to make an application
Please click on this link to the CFG application form then print it and complete it using black ink. Answer the questions as fully as possible because this will help when your application is assessed.
If you need any help completing the form, please contact the Participation and Communities Team or your Housing Officer. They can also put you in touch with a member of the Area Group who can provide specialist help and advice.
Once you have completed the application form send it to Eileen Northam at Hatfield House, Hatfield Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3HF or fax it to her on 01803 214657. Your Area Group Co-ordinator may wish to visit you to discuss your idea along with the need to obtain quotations for larger amounts. The CFG Area Group Co-ordinator will then submit your grant application to the Area Group for consideration. The Area Group meets monthly so you should receive a quick decision.