Community chest
Spirita is proud to introduce the Community Chest – our small grants programme aimed at supporting local community based initiatives or activities in the Midlands.
Spirita recognises that sustainable communities are achieved by building places where people want to live and work, both now and in the future. The Community Chest is just one of the many ways in which we support the work of local people to build ‘stronger communities.‘
All applications made to the Community Chest must, as part of the aim of the project, contribute to one of the six themes laid out in MHP’s Mission Statement in order to receive funding.
- Making Communities Work – community cohesion
- Making Communities Safer – reducing crime and anti-social behaviour
- Developing People – education and training
- Getting Cleaner and Greener – improving the environment
- Making Ends Meet – reducing poverty
- Getting People Together – reducing isolation
Funding
Applications will be considered on a quarterly basis and this program provides small grants – up to £1000 – to help local people get involved in ‘Making a Difference’ to their communities.
To be eligible your group must have:
- A constitution
- An Equal Opportunities Policy or Statement (or endorse MHP’s Diversity Policy)
- Activity must benefit residents or service users of Spirita but our residents need not be the only beneficiaries
- There must be a clear purpose or objective for funding and a timescale or deadline for completion.
- Applications must be completed by a group/agency. Applications from individuals will not be accepted.
We will consider donating small amounts of money to informal or un-constituted groups provided that systems or procedures are in place to ensure the donation is used for its intended purpose.
Your local Community Involvement Officer or Neighbourhood Officer is available to discuss ideas, help you conduct research and offer advice on the completion of the application form.
Notification
All applications for funding will be reviewed by the Community Chest Panel. The Panel is made up of the following people:
- Residents from Spirita’s Local Committees
- A member of Spirita Finance Department
- A Community Involvement Officer
Applications will be reviewed and a decision made within 21days of the deadline.
Evaluation and Monitoring
To ensure that funds allocated from the Community Chest make a difference to local communities, all successful groups will be asked to complete an evaluation form and demonstrate the impact made. This can be done by taking pictures or gathering feedback from those whom have taken part in the activity or project or who have benefited from the work carried out.
If your bid is successful then you’re group / agency will not be eligible to submit another claim until a period of 12 months has passed.
Any money allocated will need to be spent within 12 months of receiving the cheque. Any money not spent after the 12 months, will need to be returned to the Community Chest fund.
If you require any further information with regards to the Community Chest, need help completing a form or wish to find out more about the Community Investment work of Spirita, please do not hesitate in contacting a member of your Community Involvement Team on 0115 988 7100. Download application form
We look forward to receiving your application and helping you ‘Make a Difference’ to your local neighbourhood or community.