Guidance
Bicester Community Insight Fund Guidance
Prior to completing an application form, please read the eligibility criteria to ensure that your organisation and project meet the requirements.
A Word version of the application form is available on request - please email community.grants@cherwell-dc.gov.uk.
Introduction and eligibility criteria
The Bicester Community Insight Fund aims to provide funding for local groups and organisations in the Bicester West area to deliver projects which support the recommendations of the associated Profile. The anticipated impact of this project is to reduce the health inequalities experienced by residents in this area’s community whilst strengthening community assets.
Specification Criteria for Eligible Grants
- Funds must only be used to support the recommendations identified in the Community Profiles (at least one) to improve health and wellbeing in the Bicester West area and address inequalities experienced by the local community.
- The funding can be used to design, implement, and evaluate new projects.
- Enabling a successful project to continue its activity for a longer duration is permitted.
- The funding can be used to increase the reach of an existing project or activity.
- Should not replace funding that statutory organisations should be funding.
- Funding may only be released to an entity that is (a) not engaged in economic activity; and (b) whose purposes are providing social value to the specified community and supporting resident’s health and wellbeing.
- Should benefit the population of Bicester West and not individuals.
- Must consider the sustainability of the project and demonstrate how they might continue activity or reach after the funding has ended.
The type of beneficiaries eligible for the grants include:
Registered charities, community interest companies, voluntary organisations and community groups that can meet the eligibility criteria (see requirements below) may apply for funding. The Council also invite proposals from organisations working together in partnership. The Council particularly welcome applications from emerging groups and organisations seeking to develop new activities in response to clearly identified local needs.
To be considered for funding groups and organisations must:
- Be a constituted group with a management group of 3 plus people (these must not be related) or a Registered Charity and Limited Company or a Community Interest Company
- Hold their own bank account (in the name of the organisation) with two unrelated signatories.
- Be delivering activities for residents in Bicester West.
- Have appropriate organisational policies in place such as for data protection, health and safety, safeguarding, and equality and diversity covering the organisation and activity. Appropriate levels of relevant insurance must also be in place to cover the activity being funded.
Funding exclusions:
- Private companies.
- Organisations delivering political activities.
- Religious or faith-based groups religious activities.
- Duplicate funding for activities that are already funded by Oxfordshire County Council or another public sector organisation. This also includes activities funded by a third party on behalf Oxfordshire County Council.
Timescales
Grants will be assessed and awarded on a rolling basis until the budget has been expended. Applicants will be notified within four to six weeks from the date of receipt by the Council.
Note: Please read the terms and conditions for grant funding before completing the application form.
If you have any queries regarding the eligibility criteria or the application process please contact Lydia Avann, Community Health Development Officer on 01295 221861 or email community.grants@cherwell-dc.gov.uk.