The Locala Community Fund can award any one-off amount up to £1,500 to groups that:

• are local, not-for-profit community or voluntary organisations (not branches of national charities)

• have been in existence for at least one year

• have an annual income of less than £30,000

• have a constitution or governing documents

• have a named bank account

• Applications can be sent by e-mail and post

• Once all applications have been received and verified Locala members will vote for the project that inspires them the most – this will not determine the result but will be taken into account in the final decision

• A Working Group representing Locala’s Members' Council will allocate funds using a scoring system, taking into account the views of the wider membership, and the application criteria

• Applicants will not always receive the full amount they applied for

• Only one application per group can be accepted per year, but groups can apply in subsequent years

• Successful applicants will be expected to participate in positive communications with Locala, and report after 12 months on the impact that the money has made

• All applicants will be notified within six weeks of the closing date

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I apply?
   Applications to the Locala Community Fund can be submitted online or by post or email
2. How much can I apply for?
   Any amount up to £1,500
3. Who can apply?
   Not-for-profit community groups or voluntary organisations (not branches of national charities)
4. What types of things can my group apply for?
   Anything from equipment to event costs which would provide a clear benefit. We cannot accept applications retrospectively or reimburse costs for items already purchased. We will favour projects that benefit wider communities and not just one small group of individuals, and those that have longer term ambitions.

Please note that priority will be given to projects that fit with Locala’s strategic objectives. These are:

-       Supporting carers

-       Reducing social isolation

-       Opportunities for young people

-       The local environment

5. Can my group apply for running costs?
   Yes, bearing in mind the criteria.
6. If I'm asking for money to update a building, does my group have to own the building?
   Your group either needs to own the building, own the lease, or have at least 15 years left on the lease, if you are asking for money towards building or renovation costs or anything that will be a permanent unmovable fixture.
7. Can I apply for funds to contribute towards a larger project?
   Yes, we will need to know what other money has been secured and what the Locala Community Fund donation would be used for. We will favour applications that demonstrate ability for other fundraising.
8. Can I apply for funds but not use them until a later date?
   We expect applicants to spend their award within six months of receipt.
9. How long does it take to get a decision?
   If your application has been completed correctly and all required supporting documents have been received you should hear from us within six weeks of the closing date.
10. Who decides whether my application is successful?
    Details of all applications that meet the criteria will be sent to Locala Members who will then vote. Once votes have been cast, a Working Group, representing Locala’s Members' Council, will allocate funds based partly on the results of the vote, but also using a scoring system against the application criteria.
11. Do groups always get the full amount they apply for?
    No – a decision on the level of funding will be made by the Working Group representing the Members’ Council.