The Small Grants for Volunteering Programme is a government funded grant programme designed to encourage and support volunteering by funding a wide range of volunteer-involving projects within voluntary and community groups. The North West Volunteer Centre administers this programme on behalf of DSD in the Derry City and Strabane District Council areas. It is targeted specifically at projects that promote volunteering amongst people not in paid work and other groups who are currently under-represented in the volunteering population. The Small Grants for Volunteering Programme makes small grants (of up to £1,000) available to small, locally based volunteer-involving organisations incorporating the above ethos. Please note, this small grant programme will be a 3 month programme (1st June to 31st August 2013) aimed at summer schemes. A summer scheme is defined as community activity during the summer period that involves volunteers. The maximum allowable grant will be £1,000 however it is expected that the typical grant size for this programme will be £500.
Small Grants is funded and administered by the Voluntary & Community Unit, part of the Department for Social Development.
Small Grants for Volunteering Summer Programme 2013
Aims of Programme
1. To promote active citizenship and diversity and make volunteering more inclusive by increasing activity within groups under-represented in the volunteering populations. (These include: people unemployed or not in paid work; 16-25 year olds; people over 50; people with disabilities; and members of minority ethnic communities.)
2. To increase the number of volunteers, particularly those new to volunteer activity.
3. To support the development of good practice and ensure a wide range of volunteering opportunities that enhance learning for volunteers, and other benefits.
4. To support projects that benefit individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage, including places communities of place and interest.
Who can apply for a Small Grant for Volunteering?
• Any small, locally based volunteer-involving organisation that is independently established for charitable purposes and has a constitution or set of rules defining aims, objectives and operational procedures. (Projects need not be recognised by the Inland Revenue as a charity.) Successful applications have been received in the past from: community groups; women’s groups; residents associations; childcare/support groups, single-issue organisations, youth groups etc.
• Grants cannot be made to individuals or to statutory or commercial organisations.
• Applications will be accepted from groups with a turnover in the previous financial year of not more than £100,000.
• At least 40% of the volunteers involved in the proposed project must be people who are not in paid work. (Defined as any person aged 16 or over who is not in paid employment or full-time education and includes: people with disabilities; people who have taken early retirement; and those in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance and other unemployment-related benefits.)
• Applications must also demonstrate how the proposed project will involve volunteers from one or more of the groups currently under-represented in the volunteering population. (People with disabilities; young people aged 16-24; older people aged 50 and over; and people from minority ethnic communities.)
• Organisations with a VBI Main Grant or a small grant from another volunteer centre will not be eligible.
What can the grant be used for?
• Volunteer expenses (travel, subsistence, childcare, protective clothing etc.) and training for volunteers (this category should account for at least 50% of the total grant).
• Project running costs (heat, light, rent, phone, etc.) that are attributable to volunteering.
• An equipment grant (up to a maximum of 50% of the total payment) can be authorised where the applicant can demonstrate that their volunteering project requires equipment.
• Grants may not be spent on salary costs or any staff related costs such as staff travel.
• Funding programme will need to be completed by 31st August 2013. (It is envisaged that this will be a 3 month programme starting from 1st June 2013).
How much can we apply for?
Grants of up to £1,000 per year are available, however it is envisaged that the typical grant size for this programme will be £500. At the end of the year, you may re-apply, but there is no guarantee that you will be successful again.
Checklist
• Is your organisation a small local community or community group?
• Does your organisation involve volunteers in its work (or hope to involve volunteers)?
• Will your volunteer team include at least 40% unemployed people?
• Does your organisation’s activities benefit the community?
• Will your volunteer team involve volunteers that are currently under-represented in the volunteering population?
If you can answer yes to these questions you may be eligible for a Small Grant. For further information, please contact the North West Volunteer Centre by contacting seanna@volunteeringnorthwest.co.uk
Closing Date: Friday 17th May 2013 at 12 noon