The aim of the Inspire Fund is to support new groups, new activities and new ideas, particularly in communities of interest where there are opportunities to grow community-led social action, enabling more people to come together and make a positive difference.
The fund is meant to inspire local people and groups to try something new and to engage and encourage wider community involvement.
These small grants can help establish new services, events, or activities that:
- increase social interaction
- encourage neighbourliness
- improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities
- support communities to become more resilient and able to respond to local challenges
The fund is not intended to provide for ongoing costs of existing projects or activities.
Before you can apply
Before you submit an application please get in touch with a member of the local Communities Team. They will discuss the opportunity within your community and whether your proposal or idea meets the objectives of the fund. If you’re unsure who to speak to, contact us.
What the grant must be used for
- fund the running of new community events or activities
- help with start-up costs for new projects or services
- purchase small items of re-usable equipment that is required to deliver the new activity
Eligibility
- a not-for-profit group or organisation
- based in North Yorkshire and/or the project will be delivered in North Yorkshire
- encouraging people to be involved in the local community
- demonstrating a positive contribution to at least one of these outcomes:
- prevention and reducing health inequalities
- community resilience
- social regeneration
Grants of up to £1,000 will be made as a one-off contribution to the cost of an eligible project.
What we cannot fund
- large capital items for example, play equipment, vehicles
- major building renovations or upgrades
- ongoing staff costs
- repeat project costs including those for established regular and ongoing events
- individuals, private businesses, or public sector services, including schools
- religious activity where the project primarily seeks to evangelise participants
- political campaigns
- projects where the Inspire grant would account for less than 10% of total costs
How to apply
Following the initial conversation with the Communities Team, they will advise as to whether to continue with an application or will help to signpost you to other potential funding opportunities more suitable for your project.
Applications should show how the project can be delivered without needing future support from this fund.
Timescales
We aim to give you a decision within 20 working days of submitting your application. Our team may contact you for additional information to support your application. Check your email to ensure you don’t miss any updates from us.
Organisations can only have one live application at a time, therefore if a previous award has been made the project must have closed with monitoring information received before applying again.
Should organisations be developing multiple new projects, please be aware that applications from a single organisation can only be submitted once every six months.