Funding

Many voluntary and community groups are largely dependent on the receipt of grants from a range of agencies in order for them to continue to run services or develop projects. The funding world is very large, varied, inconsistent and sometimes complex.

The aim of BAVO's funding service is to help groups to wade through the complexities of fundraising as easily and efficiently as possible and to share the funding knowledge and experience gained.

BAVO is able to provide a range of funding services to voluntary and community groups in the County. The funding web pages give information on:

The BAVO Community small grants scheme (up to £2.5k)
The WAG Pilot Grass Roots Fund for disadvantaged groups (up to £2k)
The support that is available from BAVO staff to identify funders who are likely to support the work that groups need funding for
The support available to make funding applications
The range of information sheets available to support groups with applying for funds and finding the right funder
The support available to develop a fundraising strategy.

Community Focussed Schools Fund 08/09 - Bridgend

Community and voluntary groups working in partnership with a school or number of schools are able to apply to the CFS fund. The criteria and application pack can be downloaded here.

For further information contact the Headteacher of the school you are working with or Emma Davies at BCBC on 01656 643643 Closing date is June 13th 08

Commissioning

An important aspect of the voluntary sector’s role in relation to public services is that it is also a major provider of public services.

The voluntary sector’s contribution to delivering public services is significant in a number of ways:

A diverse supply base is more competitive and more likely to meet service users’ requirements.
A thriving voluntary sector can contribute to community engagement and prosperity.
Many voluntary organisations share the government’s aspirations for citizen-centred public services.

The national policy environment is currently favourable to developing the voluntary sector’s role in delivering public services as reflected in, for example, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Making the Connections (2005) and in its response to Beyond Boundaries, the Beecham Review of Public Services in Wales (2006); and in its Voluntary Sector Scheme Strategic Action Plan 2007.

There is a body of work that BAVO needs to look at in terms of supporting the local voluntary sector to enter into procurement, commissioning and tendering, especially inlight of the EU Convergence Funding programme which may open up tendering opportunities for the voluntary sector.

Watch this space for updates.

Community Small Grants Scheme

BAVO is pleased to announce that the Welsh Assembly Government has approved funding for the continuation of the Community Small grants scheme. Over the last 3 years, the scheme has provided funding to support local community groups within the County. Whilst WAG has agreed the funding over the next three years, there are changes to the criteria and the priorities.

What is the BAVO Community Small Grants Scheme?

The scheme is a local initiative to support the development of sustainable projects that help improve the quality of life for current and future generations. The funding will support proposals that focus on environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects of life and meet the priorities of the scheme. Funding is available for mostly capital elements, and further guidance on what is eligible will be made clear in the guidelines that accompany application forms.

Deadlines - 14th of each month (with a usual 6 week turnaround of applications)

Please be advised that if your application is tied to a specific timescale, you are advised to submit it in plenty of time (ie with more than one months notice) in case the panel has further questions and the application is deferred. The scheme cannot provide retrospective funding, that means if you have already paid for items, you cannot then claim for them through the grant programme.

PLEASE NOTE:

Applications that are not for developing sustainable projects or do not meet the priorities set in the guidelines, will not be prioritised.
Applications that do not follow the guidance notes, or are submitted without copies of the relevant policies and constitutional documents will be returned unconsidered by the panel.
Previous applicants who have received a grant, but have not submitted the required final receipts for audit trail purposes, cannot apply until outstanding issues relating to their previous grant have been resolved. For further information on this please contact Pat Lindsay.

Application packs are available from patlindsay@bavo.org.uk tel. 01656 810400 or download application form download guidelines and download guidance notes.

Funding Advice Services and Support

BAVO provides a range of information, guidance, and practical help to voluntary and community groups seeking funding for projects including:-

Help to Identify Funders

Once you know how much you are looking for, and for what purpose, BAVO can support you to find a range of potential funding opportunities through:

Accessing "Funderfinder" and "Grantfinder" computer programmes which identify appropriate Trust, Lottery, Government and European sources of funding
Offering you access to Funding publications – The Directory of Grant Making Trusts, Funding for Arts Projects
Offering you access to information & guidelines for top grant giving bodies
Offering you access to information sheets on finding the right funder and applying for fund
Arranging funding events and workshops so that you are up-to-date on the latest funding and fundraising developments and funds available
providing a network for volunteer and employed fundraisers to come together and share best practice, and information.

If you have a project that needs funding, why not book a slot to go through our funder finder database. The database allows you to search the closest matching funders who may be interested in supporting your project. If you are not technically minded, we can help you on your way and input the information, all you need to do then is look through the paperwork!

To access this service please email bavo@bavo.org.uk

Arson Small Grant Programme 2008-2009

The Arson Small Grant Programme aims to provide support for small local area projects, seeking up to a maximum of £10,000 to fund arson reduction projects on a competitive bidding basis, which is coterminus with the 'Wales Arson Reduction Strategy'. A total of £200,000 is available for 2008/2009 and applications are invited for projects that will be implemented with full spend by 9th March 2009. Download more information/grant criteria here.

Deadline for applications is Friday 16th May 2008 - late applications will not be accepted. Download the application form here .