Applying for a Grant

The Fund is now closed. We cannot accept any new applications.

Whether you're an existing group or a newly formed one, you can apply for a small grant to help your activities. We've tried to make applying for a grant as simple as possible although we have to include certain safeguards because these are public funds.

1. Check that your organisation is eligible

Community First money is intended to help local voluntary, community or faith organisations based in Picton ward. This covers a wide range of organisations large and small. Public sector or statutory bodies and private sector companies are not eligible to receive Community First monies. In addition, your organisation must have a constitution or terms of reference in order to apply.

2. Check that your project is eligible

This fund is intended to encourage projects by Picton residents for Picton residents so, first, check that your project will be based in Picton ward. If you are unsure where the exact boundaries are download Liverpool City Council's Ward Profile and check the detailed map at the back. We can only consider projects which benefit people who live in Picton ward.

This document also includes useful information which might be helpful if you decide to put together an application.
An example of a young people's drama project,
created through a community initiative

Check out the FAQs on this website to make sure you fully understand the process.

Next, read the Guidance for Applicants which you can download from this website.

Remember that your project will need to meet one of the priorities which are set out on this website.

Special Note: Salaries and Professional Costs

We have received a number of applications which include payments to individuals - either salaries/wages or 'professional costs' such as tutor costs or consultancy fees. The Panel is uneasy with these costs being included because they are not in the spirit of the fund. The fund is intended to stimulate and support volunteer-led direct community actions, rather than paying individuals to carry out actions on a paid-for basis. The fund is not intended to benefit individuals financially.

We have also received some applications from groups which, in truth, only involve one or two individuals. In these cases, a grant paid to the group would effectively be a payment to the individuals. The Panel does not believe that this is in the spirit of the fund.

In principle, the aim of the fund is that the value of bona fide volunteer action is used to lever in a small grant, enabling the action to go ahead. The aim is not to lever in a grant which is then paid, effectively as a wage, to pay to one or more individuals.

An example of the type of application that the fund is intended to support, and which the Panel is seeking, might help to clarify. A local group of residents might decide to create a community garden. They give their time freely but need some tools and seeds to create the garden. They apply to the Panel for a small grant which will enable them to buy the tools and seeds so that their unpaid, voluntary efforts can proceed, to the benefit of the local community.

You should be aware, therefore, that if you submit an application which includes costs such as wages or professional fees - either overtly or covertly - it is very unlikely that the Panel will support it.

3. Prepare and submit your application

Then, if you want to make an application download the Project Proposal Form. This is in Microsoft Word format and we'd like you to complete it on a computer and then email it back to us. If you do not have access to a computer you can use one at GTDT's UKonline Centre on Lodge Lane. It's completely free!

4. Be patient

We will send you an acknowledgment by email and your application will be considered at the next meeting of the Picton Panel. We operate a 'rolling application' process: there are no specific deadlines for applications and we convene Panel Meetings based on demand. Meetings are typically held every two or three months, depending on how many applications we receive. We will send you a further email after the meeting telling you what we have decided and what you need to do next.

Good luck with your application!