Grants Support Scheme

Transcription

1 Grants Support Scheme Guidance Notes

2 Contents 1. Purpose Page 3 2. Background Page 3 3. Scope Page 3 4. Grant Categories and Level of Support o Funding for Community Groups Page 4 o Funding for Sports Clubs Page 5 o Funding for Arts, Culture & Heritage Groups Page 6 o Funding for Events Page 7 o Miscellaneous Funding Page 8 5. Specific Conditions Page 8 6. General Conditions of Grant Page 8 7. How to apply Page 10 Appendix 1 Page 11 2

3 1. PURPOSE This policy sets out how Mid & East Antrim Borough Council will consider support for any constituted community or voluntary group undertaking activities within its statutory and civic remit where there is a benefit to the Mid and East Antrim Area. 2. BACKGROUND A budget of 400k has been identified for reinvestment back into the Mid & East Antrim Borough Council community via funding for projects, events and festivals allowing them to become more sustainable, attract more visitors and tourists and support the local business and economy. The Grants Support Scheme, as allowed for within this policy, provides a basic model to which new categories can be added and existing ones can be amended to suit the needs of the relevant sectors. 3. SCOPE To qualify for a grant under this Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria: a) Community organisations should be formally constituted with a current committee (appropriate details are requested in the Application Form) based in the Mid & East Antrim Borough Council area or provide a service that is a clear and direct benefit within the Mid & East Antrim Borough Council area. Or b) Individuals who live within the Council area who qualify under the appropriate categories of this scheme. Individuals are only permitted to apply for funding once per financial year. Mid & East Antrim Borough Council will not fund the following under this scheme: a) Commercial ventures/organisations; b) Venue hire of a Council facility; c) Single issue organisations whose primary focus is campaigning or lobbying; d) Creation or upkeep of websites; e) Parades; f) Fundraising events; g) Umbrella groups not represented in the Mid and East Antrim Area; h) Activities in a sphere, which is principally the remit of another public sector body; i) Subscriptions and membership fees; j) Activities forming part of an approved course of learning, gap year or outward bound activity for students; k) Fun days or festivals which are eligible under the Community Festivals Fund when it is open for applications; l) Projects that have already commenced and expenditure incurred prior to making application to this scheme; and m) Events and projects outside of Mid and East Antrim area (excluding civic representation). While administering the Grants Support Scheme, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council will ensure the promotion of equality of opportunity between: a) Persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group, age, marital status or sexual orientation; b) Men and women generally; c) Persons with a disability and persons without; and d) Persons with dependants and persons without. In addition due regard will be given to the promotion of good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group. 3

4 4. GRANTS CATEGORIES AND LEVELS OF SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS (Defined at section 5) Guidance Notes Groups are permitted to apply for only two grants (individuals one grant) from the following categories per financial year: Seeding/new group (maximum funding up to 300) Groups making application for a seeding grant for a new group will be considered for funding to cover running costs for the first year which may include initial outlay costs and administration. In order to be eligible under this category groups should be established for not more than one year. Equipment (50% funding up to a maximum of 2,000) Grants will be considered for the purchase of items of equipment that will promote and develop the work being carried out by locally-based groups. Promotion of projects (50% funding up to a maximum of 300) Grants will be considered to help promote the running of community-based projects within the Council area. Eligible expenditures in this category are limited to advertising and marketing costs for that particular project. Public liability insurance (maximum funding of up to 300) Financial assistance is available for groups in obtaining either annual or ad hoc Public Liability Insurance. Audit of Community Group Accounts (maximum funding up to 300) Financial assistance is available for groups in having its annual accounts audited by a qualified accountant. Environmental Projects and Equipment (50% funding up to maximum of 1,000) Funding towards the purchase of shrubs, trees, baskets, fixed boxes, troughs etc. will be considered, restricted to one grant per electoral ward per financial year. Village Christmas Lights (maximum funding up to 2,000 for large villages and maximum funding up to 1,000 for small villages) Grants will be considered towards the purchase of Christmas festoon lighting, decorations and trees. Funding is subject to Northern Ireland Electricity approval, Road Service licensing, Competency Certification and appropriate Public Liability Insurance. 4

5 SPORTS CLUBS In order for clubs to be eligible to apply for a grant they must fall into one of the categories defined by SportNI as a sport. A list of recognised sports for the purposes of this policy is available at Appendix 1. Groups are permitted to apply for only two grants (individuals one grant) from the following categories per financial year: Seeding/new groups (maximum funding up to 300) Groups making an application for a seeding grant for a new group will be considered for funding to cover running costs for the first year which may include initial outlay costs and administration. In order to be eligible under this category groups should be established for not more than one year. Equipment (50% funding up to a maximum of 2,000) Grants will be considered for the purchase of sports equipment (excluding items of personal clothing/equipment e.g. kit, gum shields) for general club use at a junior, senior or veteran level. The equipment must be directly related to the main activities of the group. Coaching courses and First Aid training (maximum funding up to 1,000 for clubs, or maximum funding up to 250 for individuals) Sports clubs and individuals who wish to improve their coaching and first aid capacity through attendance at courses. Clubs/individual must be based in the Council area or affiliated to a club in the Council area; must be involved in the chosen sport in an amateur capacity; and be recognised by SportNI. Public Liability Insurance (maximum funding up to 300) Financial assistance is available for groups when obtaining either annual or ad-hoc public liability insurance) 5

6 ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE GROUPS Groups are permitted to apply for only two grants (individuals one grant) from the following categories per financial year: Seeding/new groups (maximum funding up to 300) Groups making an application for a seeding grant for a new group will be considered for funding to cover running costs for the first year which may include initial outlay costs and administration. In order to be eligible under this category groups should be established for not more than one year. Equipment (50% funding up to a maximum of 2,000) Grants will be considered for the purchase of equipment that will promote and develop the work being carried by arts, cultural and heritage groups. The equipment must be directly related to the main activities of the group. Promotion of projects for Voluntary Arts and Heritage Groups and Individual Artists (maximum funding of up to 300) Grants will be considered to help promote the running of arts, cultural and heritage projects within the Council area. Eligible expenditures in this category are limited to advertising and marketing costs for that particular project. Projects must be in line with Council policy and strategic objectives. Public Liability Insurance (maximum funding up to 300) Financial assistance is available for groups when obtaining either annual or ad-hoc public liability insurance) 6

7 EVENTS Council will consider funding events which fall under the following categories: Major (50% funding up to maximum of 5,000) Events with more than 2,000 but less than 10,000 people in attendance (participants and attendees combined) N.B Funding for the event will be reduced on a pro-rata basis if profit** exceeds 1,000. Medium (50% funding up to a maximum of 2,500) Events with more than 500 but less than 2,000 people in attendance (participants and attendees combined) N.B. Funding for the event will be reduced on a pro-rata basis if profit** exceeds 500 Small (50% funding up to a maximum of 500) Events with up to 500 people in attendance (participants and attendees combined) N.B. Funding for the event will be reduced on a pro-rata basis if profit** exceeds 200. ** Profit is defined as surplus revenue generated by the event through ticket sales and admission fees. This surplus is restricted and can only be used for the development of future events organised by the applicant organisation. At no point will the applicant be permitted to forward this profit to a third-party, e.g. a nominated charity. Hire of public conveniences for events (maximum funding of up to 500) Groups may apply for funding towards the cost of hiring portable public conveniences for events throughout the Council area. Those applying for funding under the Events category are not permitted to apply for additional funding under this category. 7

8 MISCELLANEOUS This section is open to all eligible groups. Groups are permitted to apply for only two grants (individuals one grant) from the following categories per financial year: Civic representation (maximum funding up to 200 per individual and up to 1,000 per group) The purpose of this category is to give special recognition to groups and individuals within the Council area who will act as effective ambassadors for Mid and East Antrim in their chosen activity. To be eligible under this category, applicants must be competing or representing at least at regional level in activities under Council s remit for support. Good Relations Projects TO BE CONFIRMED Other distinctive projects (funding up to a maximum of 500) Council, at its discretion, may consider grants for any project within its remit not covered by this scheme. 5. SPECIFIC CONDITIONS Applications will be accepted for up to two grants per financial year (one for individuals) providing they are distinctive and applied for under a different category. Successful applicants of the Community Festivals Fund will not be permitted to apply for additional funding under this scheme for that particular project. However, these groups may apply for funding for a different activity that qualifies in one of the listed categories of this scheme. Groups in receipt of funding from other sections of Council are ineligible to apply for additional funding for that project under this scheme. However, these groups may apply for funding for a different activity that qualifies in one of the listed categories of this scheme. A community organisation is defined as a group constituted to undertake specific duties and responsibilities as confirmed in their constitution for no private or commercial gain. There are a number of ways in which to constitute a community group and this can include groups that have a memorandum and articles of association as long as any profits are reinvested and not for private gain. This includes faith based groups and single identity organisations undertaking community activities. 6. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF GRANT Applications will only be approved for funding if there is evidence that the applicant demonstrates a clearly defined need for the project and for Council funding. Any assistance offered by Council must only be used for the purpose stated on the application. If not, Council has the right to ask you to repay the grant. You may be asked to repay any grant if there is a failure to deliver the activity for which funds are allocated. Retrospective activities will not be considered i.e. those activities that have taken place before Council has received or considered the application. Award of grants will be strictly limited to a maximum of the sum offered by the Council. No supplementary grant will be allowed. Group applicants must have a bank/building society account and must declare details of their account/s to the Council. Groups will be required to provide evidence of their financial position with their application. 8

9 It is the Group s responsibility to ensure that any individuals or organisations it engages prior, during or post project/event activity, are adequately insured. The Group must be completely satisfied that all insurance documents are up to date and adequate liability cover is in place for the duration of the project/event. Evidence of this will be required. The Council can choose to interview a representative of the group or organisation making the funding application, and we can deal directly with the applicant s parent organisation or governing body (as applicable). Previous funding does not guarantee further funding. If the activity involves publicity Council funding should be acknowledged in all publicity material relating to the event through display of the Council logo, which will be forwarded with any relevant letter of offer. The Council will only accept applications via official application forms/online application process. CERTIFICATION Central government financial directions require Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to obtain from award applicants whatever information may be necessary to safeguard Council funds, and to carry out random validation checks. Proper records should, therefore, be maintained and correct details given. Records should be made available to the Council subject to reasonable notice being given. Any misleading statements (whether deliberate or accidental) given at any stage during the application process will render the application invalid, and you will be liable to return any money already paid out as an award. All cases of suspected fraud involving Council funds will be reported to the police. Information on applications is stored on computer and processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Government bodies/agencies that disseminate funds share information stored on a computer database to enable them to prevent fraudulent applications and to co-ordinate processing of complementary applications. Any inappropriate approach, be it direct or indirect by an applicant, its officers, servants, contractors, personal or professional representatives or advisors made to members of the Council, its Committee or officers which, in the view of the Council or their advisors, constitutes an attempt in any way to influence the outcome of an application will, at the absolute discretion of the Council, render the application ineligible for further consideration. DISCLAIMER It will be a condition of the application to Mid & East Antrim Borough Council that the applicant has read, understood and accepted the following: Council s policies on funding are subject to change from time to time, including variations required to comply with government directions on the distribution of Mid & East Antrim Council funds. The Mid & East Antrim Council reserves the right to amend, supplement and/or discontinue at its absolute discretion, for whatever reason, any or all of the policies, criteria and application procedures set out in its publications. 9

10 All applications are made entirely at the applicant s sole risk and Council shall not be liable to any applicant or any other party in respect of loss, damage or costs of any nature arising directly or indirectly from: the application or the subject matter of the application or any part thereof and/or; the rejection for any reason of any application or any matter arising there from and/or; any delay in processing any application however arising. All decisions as to the acceptance or rejection of applications are at Mid & East Antrim Council s sole discretion. Mid & East Antrim Borough Council has used its best endeavours to provide clear and helpful guidance for potential applicants to the fund. Council, its servants and agents shall not, however, at any time in any circumstances be held responsible or liable in relation to any matter whatsoever or howsoever arising in connection with the development, planning, construction, operation, management and/or administration of individual projects. 7. How To Apply Before completing an application, applicants should make sure that they are eligible to apply and have read these guidance notes in full. Applications are made online by going to Further Information on the grant process is available by contacting the Grants Office at: or grants@midandeastantrim.gov.uk 10

11 SPORTING ACTIVITIES AND GOVERNING BODIES RECOGNISED BY SPORT NI ACTIVITY AIKIDO AIR SPORTS Royal Aero Club of UK AMERICAN FOOTBALL ANGLING ARCHERY ARM WRESTLING ATHLETICS Notes: 1. Sporting activities with integrated disability in red 2. Sporting activities with no governing body in blue AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL BADMINTON BASEBALL BASKETBALL BATON TWIRLING BIATHLON BILLIARDS AND SNOOKER BOBSLEIGH BOWLS BOXING CAMOGIE CANOEING CAVING CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS CRICKET CROQUET CURLING DISCIPLINES Flying Aero model Flying Ballooning Gliding Hang/ Paragliding Microlight Parachuting Popular Flying Federation Coarse Game Sea Target Field Mountain/Fell Road Track and Field Cross Country Crown Federation Marathon Polo Wild Water Racing Freestyle Sea Kayaking Slalom Surfing Open Canoeing Cave Diving Pot Holing Mine Exploration CYCLING ACTIVITY DARTS DISABILITY SPORT See end DODGEBALL DRAGON BOAT RACING EQUESTRIAN EXERCISE AND FITNESS DANCE FENCING FIVES FLOORBALL FOOTBALL GAELIC GAMES GOLF GYMNASTICS HANDBALL HIGHLAND GAMES HOCKEY HOVERING ICE HOCKEY DISCIPLINES BMX Mountain Biking Road Racing Cycle Speedway Track Cyclo Cross Downhill Stunt Dressage Horse Driving Endurance Vaulting Show Jumping Harness Racing Polocrosse Eventing Reigning Mounted Games Horseball Horse Racing Yoga Keep Fit Medau Margaret Morris Movement Ballroom Latin Highland Dancing Scottish Country Folk Dance Eton Rugby Futsal Handball (non Olympic) Football Hurling Artistic Recreational Rhythmic Sports Acrobatics Sports Aerobics Trampolining Tumbling Olympic Field Appendix 1 11

12 ACTIVITY ICE SKATING JUDO JU-JITSU KABBADI KARATE KENDO KITE SURFING KORFBALL LACROSSE LIFE SAVING LUGE MODERN PENTATHLON MOTOR CYCLING MOTOR SPORTS MOUNTAINEERING NETBALL ORIENTEERING PETANQUE POLO POOL QUOITS RAMBLING REAL TENNIS ROLLER SPORTS ROUNDERS ROWING RUGBY LEAGUE RUGBY UNION DISCIPLINES Short Track Figure Synchronised Iaido Jodo Kite surfing Road Racing Trials Enduro Motocross Track Racing Super Moto Drag / Sprint Speedway Rallying Sidecar Racing Hill Climbing Autocross Autotests Car Racing Drag Racing Hill Climbs Karting Rallycross Rallying Sprints Trials Abseiling Bouldering Climbing Trekking Long Distance Walking Speed Inline Hockey Artistic Skater Hockey Freestyle Roller Hockey Tag Sevens Touch SAILING ACTIVITY SAND&LAND YACHTING SHINTY SHOOTING SKATEBOARDING SNOWSPORT SOFTBALL SOMBO SQUASH STOOLBALL SUB AQUA SURFING SURF LIFE SAVING SWIMMING TABLE TENNIS TAEKWONDO TANG SOO DO TENPIN BOWLING TENNIS TRIATHLON TUG OF WAR ULTIMATE VOLLEYBALL WATER SKIING WEIGHTLIFTING WRESTLING DISCIPLINES Sailing Sportsboats Powerboating Windsurfing Personal Watercraft Motor cruising Inland boating Federation Clay Target Pistol Rifle Muzzle Loaders Small-bore Rifle Skiing Snowboarding Telemark Squash Racketball Underwater Hockey Short board Kneeboard Long board Body board Skim board Standup Paddle Body Surf Swimming Diving Synchronised Water Polo Open Water Long Distance Skittles Barefoot Cable Ski Kneeboard Racing Tournament Wakeboarding Olympic Powerlifting Olympic Freestyle 12