Programme aims
The community grants programme is for local grass roots activities, community engagement projects, training or projects, linked to one of the following priorities:
- increased community action, engagement, and participation
- increased community resilience
- increased opportunities for volunteering
- financial inclusion
- improved access to facilities and services, particularly in rural communities
- development of local action plans, and local networks and partnerships
Who can apply
The fund is open to not-for-profit organisations including charities, unincorporated voluntary and community groups, faith groups and social enterprises.
What will be funded
Revenue funding is available for applications that meet the priorities of the UKSPF Community Grants Programme. This can include, but is not limited to:
- cost associated with running the event/project
- reasonable administrative costs providing that the project can demonstrate value for money
- volunteer expenses
- essential travel costs
- materials and small items of capital equipment
- promotion and marketing
- venue hire
Application and funding exclusions
For example, any ineligible types of organisation, locations, types of expenditure.
Applications from businesses and individuals are not eligible for this fund.
Organisations who have already successfully applied for this fund, cannot reapply for funding until six months after completion of their previous award.
Ineligible expenditure includes:
- on-going salary or overheads costs
- capital works to buildings
- large scale capital equipment
If you have any questions about eligible expenditure, please contact ukspf@northyorks.gov.uk to discuss your application further.
Funding available
The total funding available for this fund is as follows:
- 2023/2024 - £300,000
- 2024/2025 - £300,000
Grants of between £2,000 and £20,000 are available.
Match funding requirement
Match funding is not an essential requirement for this programme. However, it will be looked upon favourably and can be in the form of ‘cash’ or ‘in kind’ contributions.
Outputs and outcomes
Projects should aim to achieve a quantity of outputs and outcomes that is proportionate to the amount of funding being requested.
Applications to this programme should show how projects will achieve at least one, or a combination, of:
- increased volunteering opportunities created as a result of the grant
- increased events or activities delivered
- increased users of facilities/amenities (number of new unique users)
- improved engagement numbers - this could include any or all of the following:
- number of new people you have engaged with
- number of new people supported by the funded project
- number of new people actively involved in community action
Applications should confirm the numbers of outputs and outcomes that the project will achieve.
Applications should demonstrate clearly why the project requires UK shared prosperity fund community grant support, and at the level requested.
Type of projects that will be given priority
We will assess all applications fairly and competitively based on:
- alignment with the eligibility criteria listed under the ‘who can apply’ section
- alignment with the purpose outlined under each programme and a review of outcomes
- the likelihood of your project being delivered before the end of March 2025
Applications are welcome from not-for-profit organisations that meet the priorities of the fund. We are however particularly interested in applications that provide services, opportunities, and positive experiences for young people and families.
Programme monitoring and evaluation requirements
All monitoring and evaluation requirements will be fully outlined in any successful applicants grant agreement. This will include bi-annual monitoring, and an end of project evaluation. Please note that an award may be subject to additional monitoring and evaluation arrangements as required.
When do projects need to be completed by?
For awards made in the 2023/24 financial year, applicants will have to demonstrate, by Spring 2024, that significant progress has been made towards completing the project.
For awards made in the 2024/25 financial year, projects must be completed by 31 March 2025.
Application appraisal methods and award timescales
Full applications and any associated supporting information should be submitted outlining the prospective project. These will then be screened for basic eligibility checks before being considered by the UK shared prosperity fund community grant panel. This panel will make recommendations for approval to the UK shared prosperity fund communities theme group, which meets on a bi-monthly basis.
All awards will be subject to a grant agreement, which will outline any specific terms and conditions, and monitoring and evaluation requirements. Payments will be made in advance in line with the agreed payment schedule set out in your grant agreement.
Opening date for applications
1 November 2023.
Closing date for applications
30 September 2024.
How to apply
You do not need to complete a pre-application form for this programme.
Please complete a full application form which is available on the UK Shared Prosperity fund webpage in the application process section.
There are two application forms: one for requests of £25,000 and below, and one for requests over £25,000. Please use and complete the application form which corresponds to the amount of funding you are requesting.