Is my group eligible to apply?

Find out more about the evidence we ask for with your application to show us that your organisation is set up properly and follows good practice in the way that it works.

Constitution
Your group must have a constitution or set of rules to apply for our funding. This document will typically show what the aims of the group are, the group’s powers, who can be a member, how the management committee and officers are elected and their term of office, the roles of the different officers of the group (e.g. Treasurer, Chair, Secretary), how frequently the management committee meets, the arrangements for an Annual General Meeting, how finances are managed, how any amendments can be made to the group’s constitution and what happens to the group’s assets if it stops operating (a dissolution clause). This clause should show that any assets remaining after the settlement of debts are transferred to an organisation with similar charitable purposes and not distributed among members.

Note: Not applicable for faith groups which are exempted from charity registration, parish/ town councils and some uniformed groups.

Management committee
Your group must have a management committee in place with a minimum of 3 unconnected persons – typically taking the roles of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.  By unconnected, we mean not a relation by blood, marriage, in a long-term relationship or people living together at the same address.  For companies, we would normally expect any of the Directors to have significant control over the company. A minimum of 2 unconnected persons from the management committee should have responsibility for authorising payments from the group’s account to reduce the risk of fraud. If you do not meet this requirement but have additional internal controls in place we may be able to consider an application if your request is for less than £5,000. Please talk to us before starting an application.

If your group uses online banking it is still expected that there will be dual authorisation needed on transactions – the Charity Commission offers guidance on Internal Financial Controls on their website at http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/detailed-guidance/money-and-accounts/internal-financial-controls-for-charities-cc8/ which covers online banking and other financial management matters.

Equal Opportunities policy or statement
– Diversity: Representation across a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and views.
– Equity: Fair and equitable treatment, access, opportunity, and engagement for all.
– Inclusion: Creating an environment that respects and values all perspectives, especially ensuring that persons within historically underrepresented groups are included and represented.

We understand that certain projects target particular groups of people, for example youth groups and day care centres.  We expect our grants to benefit all of the people in your community who might want to use the services or activities your group provides.  A policy and/ or statement that sets out your organisation’s approach to equal opportunities will show us that your group treats all members and potential members fairly. It will set out how people get to be members of your group and gain access to the opportunities and services you offer, and will contain a clear anti-discriminatory statement. An equal opportunities policy/ statement will also cover recruitment, selection and training for any staff, trustee or voluntary roles.