What is Grassroots Grant?

What is Grassroots Grant?	Grassroots Grants is funded through the Office of the Third Sector and its aim is to give grants to small voluntary and Community groups to strengthen them.
Who does it aim to help?	The fund aims to support local grassroots Voluntary and community groups. Local groups which involve local people Small, unstaffed and under-funded groups Support for self-help and voluntary efforts Neighbourhood or grassroots-based projects
What will not be funded?	General and major fundraising appeals Individuals Promotion of religious beliefs Medical Research Animal Welfare Political activities Organisations with substantial reserves Statutory organisations
Who can apply for a grant?	Local charities and voluntary and community groups with an annual income of less than £30,000 per annum, taken as an average turnover for the last three financial years (or over the life of the group if it less than three years old)
Are grants made to individuals?	No. Applications from individuals will not be considered.
Do we have to be a registered charity?	No. Some groups may be too small or too new to be a registered charity. However what you are doing much be charitable and you must have some kind of constitution or rules to govern the operation of your organisation.
What kind of things can we apply for?	Grants can be made for a wide range of purposes:- Capital equipment eg photocopier, computer/digital projector/oven, etc. Costs of staging an event or activity Contribution to rent costs (related to activities and proportionate to overall grant amount) Attending conferences or events to develop the capacity of the group Training for volunteers Additional activities to expand an existing funding project
What criteria should your project meet?	Grassroots aims to complement each area’s local area agreement (LAA). LAA’s set out the priorities agreed between central government, your local authority and other local partners. Your project should address one or more of the following aims: People in Solihull living longer, healthier independent lives Making Solihull’s streets, neighbourhoods, parks and open spaces attractive and enjoyable Ensuring that children and young people are safe and enjoy, achieve and make a positive contribution A creative, active and vibrant Solihull A more equal Solihull with cohesive communities and neighbourhoods.
Will you fund running costs?	Yes, provided that the grant money will increase an activity or service to help people .Added value must be shown.
What size of grant can we apply for?	Grants range from £250 to £5,000.
What is the total amount of funding a Group can receive?	A group can receive no more than £5,000 over 3 years.
Do we need to have matching funds?	No.
Do we need to provide accounts?	Yes, unless you have been meeting informally and have recently constituted your organisation you should try to estimate your income and outgoings for the first year.
Who will consider our application?	Applications are initially evaluated by our Director before formal assessment by our Independent Panel of Advisors. Final ratification is given by our Trustees.
What kind of monitoring will there be?	All grant recipients will need to provide evidence of expenditure, such as receipts and invoices and to complete a simple monitoring form.
Can a group receive grants for more than one project?	Yes. As long as the total amount of funding does not exceed £5,000 within 3 years.
Can we appeal if our application is unsuccessful?	Yes. The Solihull Community Foundation operates an appeals procedure which is available to all applicants.
How long will it take to hear the outcome of our application?	You should hear within 6 weeks submission of a complete application.
How do I apply?	An application form may be downloaded from this website (located under Application Forms) or alternatively call 0121 700 3934