Grants & Funding

Our Grants Scheme is designed to support local community organisations, charities, Social Enterprises and Community Interest Companies delivering services, projects and events within Workington.

​

We are not able to consider applications from individuals.

​

It is recommended that applicants thoroughly read the Grants Policy before making an application and where necessary contact the Council for advice.

​

Who can apply?

You can apply if you are a not-for-profit organisation or group, serving the people of Workington.

If you’re not one of these, perhaps because you are a statutory body, a commercial business, or an individual, then you’re unlikely to be funded through our grants scheme.

​

The Council will not fund salaries, hospitality, religious organisations (except for non-religious activities), projects with party political links or Projects that are the statutory responsibility of other authorities.

​

The objective of your grant request should be helping the Council to achieve its vision of a healthy, creative town, where nature recovery and the crisis caused by climate change are treated as a priority.

​

How much can you apply for?

​

We offer a range of funding, for a range of topics.

All valid applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee at their next available meeting.  On receipt of an application Workington Town Council will notify the individual as to when a decision will be made.

If successful you will be asked to accept, sign and return a conditions of funding form. Payment of the funding will be made, by BACS, after a completed form is returned to the Council.

​

What else will I need to do?

​

If you think you have a proposal that we may be able to help with, initially, we would like you to complete an expression of interest form, which asks for details of your proposal and what your objectives are. Once we have received your form, Council Officers will be in touch to discuss your proposal in more detail and how the Council may be able to help. There is currently no set amount for funding bids. Council Officers will work with you on your project idea and give advice on whether it would be something that the Council could support.

​

Requirements:

• You’ll need a constitution. You need to show us you have arrangements in place to ensure your decisions are legal and supported by your members (or your management). Your constitution should also show that you are committed to equality, and that you take the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults seriously.

• You’ll need a bank account. We can’t pay individuals and we won’t make direct payments to your creditors. We ask for a copy of your last bank statement, or audited accounts showing activity during the recent three months for all accounts, bank details including account name, address and number and a copy of your organisation's annual accounts. If these are not available, you must explain why. If your grant or funding is for a specific project, you must send one costing or at least two estimates (which is most appropriate to your application) with the completed application form.

• You’ll need to tell us about your funding needs. You’ll need to show that we aren’t your only source of funds, and that you are at least exploring other options.

• You’ll need to tell us what you’re going to do with your grant.

• Three signatures are required on the application form, from three different honorary members or responsible officers in the group.

​

Download a word version of the Expression of Interest form here

​

Complete an online Expression of Interest form here

 

Summary of Conditions

Applications will be considered with the understanding that:

• Organisations will meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act, The Equalities Act and good practice standards as appropriate. This may include requiring an Equalities Statement or Policy. ​

• Organisations that work with children or vulnerable adults will ensure that Safeguarding Policies are in place, and all staff/volunteers who are working with children, young people and vulnerable adults have been cleared by DBS criminal record checks.

• Organisations will ensure appropriate insurance is in place for all events and services provided.

• The project is planned for the future, funding will not be given for events that have already taken place at the time when the application form is received.

• All successful applicants will provide a project monitoring report within six months of the end of the financial year.

• Organisations will notify the Council in writing of any change of circumstances which affect its financial position.

• Grants can only be used for the purpose they were awarded for. Any change to the original project must be agreed with the Council.

• If the project is cancelled or only partially achieved, remaining grant must be returned to the Council. If an organisation is disbanded, any unused grant must be returned to the Council.

• The project must be situated in the Civil Parish of Workington and be of benefit to residents and/or visitors. To check your project falls within the parish boundary, please check the map on the following page: www.workingtontowncouncil.gov.uk/yourcouncil

 

​