Sustainable Communities

Community Roots

"Funding for projects in rural Leicestershire"

A small grants scheme established to benefit rural groups and organisations in starting a new scheme or a one-off capital based project.

Organisation: Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland)

Completion Date: 30/04/2007

Location

Rural areas of Charnwood, North West Leicestershire, Hinckley & Bosworth and Blaby

Project Description

"Grants like these can really get the ball rolling on community projects - and they're already demonstrating impressive leverage from match funding" - Hannah Ferguson, Grant Administrator, Community Roots

What is Community Roots?
Community Roots is a fund established to provide support for new projects which will encourage one or more of the following:

• Social improvements
• Environmental improvements
• Social enterprise
• Rural services

Where is covered by Community Roots?
Anywhere in a rural part of Blaby District, Charnwood Borough, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough or North West Leicestershire District can apply to the Fund.

What is considered 'rural'?
Normally somewhere with a population of less than 10,000. But each application is considered on it's own merit.

How much money is available?
Projects can normally apply for up to £2,000, but applications for much lower figures are just as welcome. 50% match funding would normally be required.

What is 'match funding?'
In the case of this fund, for every £1 requested from Community Roots, a further £1 would be provided from other sources. This could be from other grant schemes, fundraising or savings. If the applicant is unable to identify other sources of funding, they are still encouraged to call for advice.

What can't be funded?
Private, political or religious organisations, or any project that has already been completed. Match funding may not come from the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership (LSEP) or the Leicestershire Rural Partnership (LRP).

How are applications assessed?
Applications are distributed to several bid assessors, representing various local bodies. If they approve the bid, a grant can be issued.

How long does the process take?
Applications normally take between five and six weeks, though this may be a little longer during busy periods.

What if the application is unsuccessful?
The grant administrator will explain to the applicant why their bid was unsuccessful. This information may be useful when the group applies to other bodies.

When can I apply?
As there are no panel meetings, you can apply to Community Roots at any time. UPDATE: Community Roots has received extra funding for the remainder of the 2004 - 2005 financial year, enabling further applications to be processed

Outcomes

Community Roots is aimed at a wide range of self-started, self-run projects. Its goal is to encourage social or environmental improvements, social enterprise or rural services, thereby benefitting rural communities.

Project Contacts

For application forms or further information, contact the Rural Community Council:

Grant administrator:
Hannah Ferguson
Tel: 0116 268 9708
E-mail: hferguson@ruralcc.org.uk

Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland)
Community House
133 Loughborough Road
Leicester
LE4 5LQ

Project manager:
Kevin Butcher
Tel: 0116 268 9703
E-mail: kbutcher@ruralcc.org.uk
Website: www.ruralcc.org.uk

LSEP contact:
Gill Smitherman
Tel: 0116 257 5676
Email: gills@lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk