COMMUNITY GRANTS

The CCT welcomes applications to its disbursement fund from groups or organisations (whether established or in formation) that:

1. Meet its geographical criteria, according to the following levels of priority: (i) parish of Chagford (ii) adjoining parishes – Throwleigh, Gidleigh, Drewsteignton, (iii) all parishes with in the NE. Dartmoor ministry (Chagford, Drewsteignton, Gidleigh, Hittisleigh, Lustleigh, Manaton, Moretonhampstead, North Bovey, South Tawton/South Zeal).

2. Are: non-political, non-profit making groups, organisations, educational establishments or charities based in the geographical areas defined above.

3. Have as their chief objectives the provision of services or facilities to benefit people and/or the environment within Chagford and the parishes mentioned above.

4. May include:

• Schools, where the project or activity has a clear benefit to the wider community and is over and above statutory provision
• Churches and faith groups where the activity supports welfare/environmental activities but does not relate to or promote religion

5. Are committed to furthering one or more of the following:

(i )   provision of recreational and/or educational facilities for the public at large or those who by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social circumstances, have need of such facilities

(ii)   protection or conservation of the environment and biodiversity

(iii)   contribution to combating climate change and mitigation of its effects

(iv)  relief of poverty and social exclusion

(v)  the health and welfare of residents

     (vi) preservation of buildings or sites of historic or architectural importance

6. Groups making applications for £750 or more must have in place, or show evidence of preparing, an equalities statement.  See the sample statement is in Note 1.

7. Groups or organisations dealing with or having contact with young people or vulnerable adults must have, or show evidence of preparing, a safe-guarding policy.  See the sample statement in Note 2.

The Board will consider applications twice a year, with applications to be submitted in April and September. Exact closing dates will be announced in advance of each round.

The Board of Chagford Community Trust shall be solely responsible for determining the outcome of applications.

There is no process of appeal for unsuccessful applications, but revised applications may normally be resubmitted for reconsideration.

The Chair of the CCT (or other nominated Board member) will inform the organisation of the outcome of their application normally within two weeks of the relevant meeting.

Where unsuccessful the Chair (or nominee) will provide brief feedback on the reason(s) for the decision.

The CCT will observe a conflict of interest protocol in cases where any member of the Board or its selection panel has a connection to an applicant that may be liable to bias or be seen as bias. In such cases that member (or those members) of the Board must declare their interest and stand down from the decision-making process.

• The grants may be used for matched-funding or pump-priming purposes. They may also be given as outright funding or for capital items.
• The maximum grant available will normally be £1500, but this will be exceptional.
• The applicant must state the timescale planned for the spending the award.
•  The applicants must be able to clearly demonstrate why the funding is required, how it will be used and to give evidence of outcomes in subsequent reporting to the CCT.
• Where successful, the organisation commits to providing a short written report to the Board within a year of the award, setting out the amount actually spent and the extent to which the planned outcomes or impact of the funded activity or purchases have been achieved. If the grant has been made to cover a second year the same procedure needs to be followed by the end of the second year.  If after the agreed time scale, any unspent funds must be returned to the CCT, except in cases where a new agreement has been made between the organisation and the CCT.
• Successful applicants must acknowldge the CCT and its community grants programme in any publicity connected to or generated by the funded project.

Making an application

All applicants must use the standard CCT application form.

Canvasing any member of the CCT Board will result in immediate disqualification.