Grants F-A-Qs

Can I apply as an individual?

No, applications can only be accepted from groups – eg charities, CICSs, Voluntary groups (please see policy for full list).

I haven’t been able to contact the Councillor(s) before submitting my application.. what should I do?

Best advice is to call the team on 01271 388253. They will be able to advise whether there are any funds available in your ward area. Alternatively, you can add a note to your application stating you have not contacted the councillors, or had not had a response from them. If you do this please bear in mind that your application may not be successful (eg if the funds have been fully allocated elsewhere).

I have accepted a quote / made purchase(s) – can I ask for funding towards this?

No. You must not accept any quotes for works, or make any purchases, before you receive a firm offer of funding from the team. If you do so (after you submit your application- before you receive an offer) the grant offer will be withdrawn. These are treated as retrospective purchases and ineligible under the grants policy.

When will I receive the money?

You can claim the money once your project is complete/you have made your purchases. 

I don’t have enough money to pay for my project – can I get an advance?

Yes – if you don’t have sufficient funds to pay you can request an advance (of up to 80%), but you will need to provide proof of need in the form of proof of your group’s current bank balance.

How quickly will we receive it?

Once your claim has been received it will take approximately 5-7 working days for the funds to be credited to your account.

I wasn’t offered the amount I had expected, can I appeal?

No, sorry. If you haven’t been offered enough for your project to go ahead you can withdraw your application – and let us know you won’t be taking the funding. This will free-up the funding for others in your area.

Please don’t try to contact the councillors asking for reasons, or more money, as they receive numerous emails and requests for grant funding. They are trying to make the funds benefit as many organisations as possible.

Can I apply again for more funding for the same project?

Not within the same financial year.  You can apply again in the next financial year – eg for Phase 2 of a project.

Can I apply again for more funding for a new project?

Yes. Although Councillors may not wish to award you more funding if they are trying to spread their available funding across a large number of applications.

How much will it cost me to apply?

Nothing – it is free to apply

When is the fund open?

The fund opens to applications in April, then closes at the end of January each year.

Can I have a paper copy of the application?

Of course, please just call the office on 01271 388253 and we will pop one in the post for you

Any other questions – please get in touch!

Call 01271 388253 or email grants@northdevon.gov.uk