Grants to voluntary organisations - easier and quicker to apply

Local voluntary organisations applying for grant funding from the Royal Borough will find the whole process simpler and quicker in the future.

The changes will not only make applications easier but will also mean that successful organisations will receive their funding much more quickly - organisations such as the East to West Trust and Maidenhead Citizens Advice Bureau which both received grants in the most recent round of grant applications:
• The East to West Trust - supports communities in Dedworth and Windsor by working to drive down youth crime and anti-social behaviour and supports young people in the NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training) scheme
• Maidenhead Citizens Advice Bureau - the grant was a contribution towards the cost of taking over the Windsor Advisory Centre this week.

Under the revised policy approved by Cabinet:
• there is a shorter simplified application form to replace the existing 10-page document
• successful organisations will receive their funding within two weeks of the quarterly Grants Panel meetings rather than up to five weeks as at present
• the minimum levels of grant funding will be removed - currently £100 for revenue grants and £1000 for capital grants.

Cllr David Burbage, Council Leader, said: "Groups will receive their funding more quickly after the quarterly Grants Panel meetings - an extremely important consideration for organisations and community groups to enable them to continue or expand the very worthwhile work they do and the services they provide.

"The simplified application form will also ensure that the Grants Panel has sufficient relevant information about organisations to enable them to be able to make informed decisions about funding."

Grants Panel meetings are held quarterly in May, August, November and February. The next meeting will be held on 31 August.

For further information on grants applications go to www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/members_grants_voluntary_organisations or contact Liz Hornby, Grants Officer, on 01628 796310.

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