Local Projects Fund

Local Projects Fund

Our Local Projects Fund is a grant scheme that helps communities deliver their ambitions. Here's the guidance you need to apply for funding.

Introduction

  • The District Council’s Local Projects Fund enables our Councillors to support community led initiatives in the ward they represent. This year each Councillor has £1000 to allocate.
  • The maximum grant is £900 if there is one ward councillor and £1000 if two or more or the application includes more than ward.
  • The Fund is to support one off projects, ongoing activities and the development of sustainable longer term projects.

Who can apply?

Local groups based within the Derbyshire Dales area can apply, providing they can demonstrate community benefit. For example:-

  • Parish/Town Councils (for specific projects only)
  • Young people's groups
  • Locally based charities
  • Benevolent societies

Exclusions

Organisations that are not eligible to apply include:

  • Political parties and organisations with political aims
  • Any organisation that raises funds for national distribution
  • Single issue pressure groups
  • Any group formed to oppose any proposed or likely District Council policy
  • Other public sector bodies that deliver core services, includes schools
  • Individuals

What types of projects / initiatives do we fund?

  • Groups and organisations can apply for funding for both revenue (one-off) and minor capital projects.
  • Revenue grants should generally be used to support short term project related costs. This could include equipment, transport, advertising, goods and materials.
  • The grants will benefit a wide range of groups/activities.
  • Bids should be focused on outcomes that benefit the wider community where possible, rather than small sections of communities.
  • The Fund may facilitate match funding from other organisations although match funding is not a requirement.

Examples of previous grant aid has included:

  • funding towards village hall improvements
  • sports equipment & kit- staging events, activities for the elderly & isolated
  • arts projects
  • environmental & heritage projects
  • youth based activities

The application process

Organisations/groups applying for a grant must complete the online application form which will then be forwarded to the relevant local Councillor(s) and a decision is likely within two weeks.

How will applications be judged?

  • Applicants must demonstrate that their project will have a positive effect on the inhabitants of their local community and be within the Derbyshire Dales area.
  • The applicant must also be in a position to sign that in the event of a grant, all terms and conditions will be complied with.
  • The relevant Councillor(s) will judge the application in liaison with officers and will make a decision on whether to award a grant.

How much can be awarded?

The minimum grant payable is £100 and the maximum grant payable is £1,000 which can only be achieved for multi seat Wards or where an application spans across more than one Ward. Payment of grant will be made by BACS and bank account details will be requested once a grant award has been confirmed.

Terms and Conditions

Derbyshire Dales District Council retains the right to reclaim, at any time, all or part of the awarded money which was not spent for the purpose it was awarded. Any grant awarded is subject to:

  • The availability of funds within the respective Councillor’s Local Projects Fund allocation
  • It being used for the benefit of residents of the Derbyshire Dales and particularly the residents of the Councillors electoral Ward;
  • It being used for the specific purpose for which it was requested and granted;
  • It being spent within the financial year the grant was awarded. Any request to vary this condition will need to be submitted in writing and agreed by the Director of Resources
  • Derbyshire Dales District Council being publicly recognised in any and all publicity regarding the Local Projects project organised by the District Council or applicant It being recorded in any records or accounts which will be made available for inspection by the Council if required
  • An acknowledgement that the grant award is a one off and does not imply a commitment to any future funding. It should be possible for the same organisation to receive a grant each year, but not guaranteed. Repeat requests within the same financial year will not be considered.
  • The applicant providing an End of Grant report to the District Council on how the money has been spent and what outcomes were achieved
  • Applicants are also asked to note that the District Council is not able to undertake feasibility work to assess the merits of an initiative/project, nor to assist applicants in making their bid beyond advising on the application process.
  • Please note that there are no rights of appeal against decisions made by Councillors. For further information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., telephone 01629 761392, Community Development Officer, Community & Environmental Services, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Town Hall, Matlock, DE4 3NN

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