Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have money to donate?
No. I work as a liason officer between your group and potential funders
across the UK. I will help you to identify which funders are most likely
to want to help you and then assist you in writing your application to
them.
What do you mean by a project?
A project usually has a definite start and finish date
although its benefits can continue indefinitely. It is work undertaken
in addition to what you normally do in your group. It is often difficult
to find funding for your everyday running costs since funders want to
know that their contribution will be bringing something extra to your
community or will improve the service that you provide. Above all it must
benefit local people and be non profit-making. Examples include:
- New equipment
- An event such as a music concert or festival
- Building work or refurbishment of your group's meeting place
- Publicity for your group
- Establishing a new community group
- Raising awareness of a local issue
- Work to improve a local piece of land for use by the community
Who is eligible for a grant?
Funders all have different and often very specific criteria
to explain who they want to help. Generally the following groups are eligible:
- Sports and social clubs
- Village halls
- Parish councils
- Schools
- Charities
- Children's clubs and societies (including Scouts, Brownies etc)
- Lunch clubs
- Play groups/ mother and toddler groups
This list is by no means exhaustive so please call me if you are in any
doubt as to whether you are eligible.
It is highly unlikely that individuals
would be eligible.
How quickly will I get the money?
Every funder has different turn-around times on their applications, but
generally securing funding takes longer than you might imagine. It could
take anything from one to six months from your initial phone call to me,
to receiving a reply from a funder ( and even longer if you request large
amounts of money.)
It also depends upon the amount of time you and your committee have to
dedicate to your project. I will assist you along the way but it is important
to remember that you cannot start your project until you have the commitment
from the funder as they will not fund retrospectively.
There are no guarantees, unfortunately, but if you have
a good idea with lots of local support and enthusiasm you stand as good
a chance as anyone. See "success stories"
on this site for details of people who are glad they took the time to
apply!
Tel: 01304 872066
E-mail: kirstyholroyd@dover.gov.uk
