Norfolk Community Foundation ensures that each grant application is thoroughly assessed through a strict 7-stage process to ensure that every applicant is eligible for support.

1. The Application: Each charity or group wishing to apply for funding will fill out a detailed questionnaire that has been designed to be easy and straightforward to complete, whilst getting the information we need to make informed decisions.
   
   
2. Finances: The financial position of each group or charity is investigated to ensure they are solvent, not sitting on large amounts of their own money nor have any deficits that are not being adequately addressed. We ensure that their ideas are costed appropriately and that there is a genuine need for financial assistance.
   
   
3. Constitution: To ensure that all groups are well governed and run effectively we require them to demonstrate that they have robust governance arrangements, proportionate to their size and functions.
   
   
4. Protection Policies: All applicants must demonstrate an understanding of equal opportunities and vulnerable persons protection issues and, where relevant have appropriate policies in place.
   
   
5. Safeguards: A number of compulsory checks are carried out to ascertain that an applicant is genuine and in real need of support. This includes a letter of reference as part of the application, from an independent referee of local standing.
   
   
6. Interviews: Once all the above stages have been satisfied, the applicants are interviewed by telephone to review their application and explore their ideas in more depth. The Foundation is looking for good ideas and the ability to deliver – not just applicants who are good at filling in forms.
   
   
7. Eligibility: It is only after this detailed process has been undertaken that applications are put forward to the Community Investment Committee or Named Fund panel for funding.
   

The Foundation seeks to support genuinely good ideas that will make a real difference to the lives of local people.  Where applicants do not meet the requirements of this process the Foundation will work with the group or charity to support them to achieve the criteria.  This will include signposting them to their local Council for Voluntary Services and other agencies that can provide practical advice and support. 

The Foundation also seeks to work with other local funders to advise and assist applicants on the opportunities for additional and match funding.  The Foundation does not intend to duplicate the work of other funders and indeed statutory funding.  Where appropriate the Foundation will refer applications to other funders.