Norfolk Community Fund
All partners in the Norfolk County Strategic Partnership have created the Norfolk Community Fund.
The Norfolk County Strategic Partnership is a multi-agency group representing the county's diverse private, public, voluntary and community sectors. Their role is to improve the quality of life for all the people of Norfolk by:
- knowing what Norfolk wants
- understanding the big issues for Norfolk
- making it happen, by working together
The purpose of this Fund is to help build capacity in Norfolk’s small, grassroots charities, voluntary and community groups, by enabling them to be in a stronger position to support local people. The Partnership recognises the importance of supporting community activity and vibrancy and is keen to see the Fund is used to add value. It is often small amounts of money that can make a genuine big difference. It can help community groups play a more active role, by overcoming barriers and building confidence in order for them to take on more for themselves.
A fund of £449,000 is available to support a grants programme which is able to offer one-off grants of £500 up to £5,000.
Who can apply?
Charities, social enterprises and constituted voluntary and community groups are eligible to apply. This fund will also support parish/ town councils (for non statutory obligations only) and churches/ parochial church councils delivering inclusive community activities. Schools may also apply for support towards activities which are not curriculum linked and take place outside school hours.
Applicants must be able to evidence that they have:
- A constitution/ governing document
- A management committee of at least 3 persons
- A bank account in the name of the group applying, requiring a minimum of two signatures to authorise payments (from unrelated persons)
- Annual accounts
- An equal opportunities statement/ policy
- Appropriate child/ vulnerable adult protection measures and CRB checks where relevant
The actual documentation required may vary depending upon the status of the organisation. Please refer to the checklist which forms part of the application form, or contact the Grants Team for advice.
What sort of activity can the fund support?
Applications should be able to demonstrate that they:
- Sustain or create initiatives to strengthen communities or
- Stimulate creative grassroots ideas about new locally sustainable services
Examples of activity that could be considered would be;
- Purchasing equipment to enable a new activity or improved service to take place
- Costs of learning or development of new skills to enable a proven activity to be offered.
- Operational e.g. venue hire, staffing, insurance for one off new projects.
What we are NOT looking for
- Projects benefiting people outside of Norfolk
- Schools based / curriculum linked activities
- Statutory organisations, except Parish and Town Councils
- Projects that improve buildings/ land owned by a statutory body
- Overseas travel
- Projects that do not directly contribute to community activity e.g. notice boards, Christmas lights, bus shelters, war memorials, floral displays, benches or other street furniture or any similar items.
- Costs of work that has already taken place, or costs that have already been incurred.
- Organisations raising funds to redistribute to other causes or individuals
- CRB check costs
- Marketing/publicity costs.
How much can I apply for?
Grants from £500 to £5,000 are available, to be spent within 12 months of the award. Grants will be paid by BACS, or by cheque.
How to apply
Application is via our Standard online application form. Click here to visit the application pack.
If you have any questions about making an application, or need to receive the form in another format please contact the Grants Team on 01603 623958 or via email
When can I apply?
Grants will be allocated through a number of defined funding rounds, during the year.
The closing date for the 1st round of applications will be 25th November 2011.
What reporting will be required?
Successful applicants will be required to provide a brief update approximately 4 months after the grant payment is made, to review progress and discuss any possible changes and developments to funded activities.
At the end of the funded period an End of Grant Report will be required which will need to give evidence of relevant expenditure, including receipts for capital items (equipment etc) and a brief report on activity.
