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Grassroots Grants

Welcome to Grassroots Grants for Sandwell

Express and Star Cash Giveaway

Have you got a project that could benefit from between £500 – £1,000 funding?

In addition to the main Grassroots programme (details below),  there is a Community Cash Grant available as part of the Grassroots Grants scheme.

The scheme is available to organisations whose income is less than £30,000 taken as an average of the last three years (e.g. Add together the last 3 years income for your organisation and divide by three.  If the result is under £30,000 then you meet the income criteria; this is done to ensure a fair result. It means that if you have had a particularly good year, but usually struggle with income you could still be eligible).

Grants will be awarded to a maximum of £1000
Deadline for applications is 30th July 2010

To download further guidlines and an application form please click on the links below.

Cash Giveaway Guidance Notes

Cash Giveaway Application Form

Grassroots Grant Main Programme Funding

Grassroots Grants is a three-year programme from central government that recognises the significant contribution that small voluntary and community sector groups make to improving communities in the UK. The programme also recognises the vital role that small grants play in sustaining this activity.

The Community Development Foundation (CDF) is managing the programme on behalf of the Office of the Third Sector (OTS), part of the governments cabinet office. The Office has appointed 63 Local Funders to deliver the programme in each of the 149 top-tier local authority areas. SCVO, in partnership with the Harborne Parish Lands Charity, are appointed as the Local Funder for Sandwell.

There are two parts to Grassroots Grants: 1) a small grants programme delivered by SCVO and 2) an endowment match challenge led by Birmingham Community Foundation. 

About the Grassroots Endowment Match Challenge

The Grassroots Endowment Match Challenge for Sandwell is an exciting opportunity to more than double the impact of your charitable giving whilst strengthening your local community. Until 31 March 2011, every £1 that is donated into the endowment will be match funded 100% by a special Government incentive. For example, a £10 donation can be match funded to £20 which is then worth £25.60 with Gift Aid (and even more if you are a higher rate tax payer, more than doubling your impact!)

SCVO is working in partnership with Birmingham Community Foundation on the Endowment Match Challenge and last year, a total of £38,000 was raised. This year, we want to make it another £52,000. Visit Birmingham Community Foundation to find out more.

Grassroots Grants

What you need to know?

  • Grassroots Grants is available from August 2008 until March 2011.
  • Grants will be from £250 up to a maximum of £5,000.
  • Grants may be applied for as a one-off payment, as installments spread over the 3 years of the programme, or through multiple applications, up to £5,000 in total.
  • No organisation can receive more than £5000 over the lifetime of the programme.
  • Applicants must be a voluntary or community group, active locally for not less than 12 months.
  • Groups or organisations must be volunteer led, connected with and/or meeting the needs of the community.
  • Your group or organisation must have a governing document, e.g. a constitution.
  • The (3 year) average income of applicants must be less than £30,000 per annum.
  • Proposed expenditure must be appropriate spend e.g. equipment, rent, and project activities.
  • Evaluation of grants will be required to include full evidence of expenditure.

Guidance notes and application form

SCVO ask you to check your eligibility for Grassroots Grants first, before making an application.  You can download and save copies of the following documents:

Do you need SCVO to send you an application by post? Contact Kally Matharu, Organisation Development Officer, tel: 0121 525 1127, or email: kally@scvo.info

Advice to applicants

SCVO have created a handy checklist you can work through when developing your application. Consider the following elements as you develop your application:

  • Is the proposal clear?
  • Is the proposal an appropriate spend and costed. For example, equipment, rent, or project activities.
  • Is there evidence the activity is required?
  • Will it benefit a targeted group?
  • Is the budget good value for money?
  • Are all your supporting documents in place? For example, a constituion, latest annual accounts.

Grassroots Grants Awards

View a list of  Grassroots Grants Awards  to stimulate project ideas and extend your links with other organsiations.

Need more help and support?

SCVO can advise you on completing the form and providing support with developing the supporting documents required. Contact the Capacity Building Team on 0121 525 1127 , or e-mail kally@scvo.info