Youth Community Fund and Short Break Grants Programme 24-25

Introduction

The Youth Community Fund is a grant application programme which forms part of the overall Integrated Youth Service offer. The main purpose of the Youth Community Fund is to provide a range of positive and engaging activities that meet the needs and wishes of children and young people across Knowsley.

The Short Break Small Grants Programme is part of Knowsley’s Short Breaks Programme and will support organisations working to improve the lives of disabled children and their families in Knowsley. This forms part of the wider range of services available to parents and carers of children with disabilities and special needs ( ) called the ‘Local Offer.’

The annual community and needs led grant programmes are aligned to the Knowsley Better Together principles, and is aimed at supporting new, start-up community-led projects to become, over time, self-sustaining, and to enhance the wider local offer.

Grants of up to £5,000 can be applied for under each application process, and successful projects will be required to commence within the financial year 2024/25.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a Youth Community Fund grant, the project MUST provide evidence and information that meets at least one of the following categories that have been identified by young people:

Sport (including Football, Boxing, Basketball, Swimming, Rugby, Cricket, Golf, Biking, Climbing, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Archery, Darts, Pool/Snooker, Horse Riding, Gymnastics, Trampolining, Gym, Running, Paintballing, Inflatables).
Music (including lessons, production, DJ-ing etc)
Computers (including gaming i.e. Playstation/Xbox, coding, animation).
Outdoor adventures (including rock climbing, canoeing, Go-Ape, Forest Schools, Bootcamps, Animal care etc)
Creative skills (including Media, Graffiti, Photography, Dance, Drama, Theatre, Make-Up/Hair and Beauty, Cooking)
Mixed Group Activities/Youth Clubs

To be eligible to apply for a Short Break Small Grants programme, the project MUST provide evidence and information that meets at least one of the following categories that have been identified by young people:

Special Educational Needs and Disability Sport (including Football, Boxing, Basketball, Swimming, Rugby, Cricket, Golf, Biking, Climbing, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Archery, Darts, Pool/Snooker, Horse Riding, Gymnastics, Trampolining, Gym, Running, Paintballing, Sensory Play, Inflatables).
Music (including lessons, production, DJ-ing etc)
Computers (including gaming i.e. Playstation/Xbox, coding, animation).
Outdoor adventures (including rock climbing, canoeing, Go-Ape, Forest Schools, Bootcamps, Animal care etc)
Creative skills (including Media, Graffiti, Photography, Dance, Drama, Theatre, Make-Up/Hair and Beauty, Cooking)
Providing short break activities for young people aged 19-25 promoting independence skills and supporting transitions to adulthood.
Delivering support to parents/carers of children and young people with a disability (e.g., parent support groups, workshops, Stay and Play etc)
Whole family activities/events (e.g., involving parents & siblings in events, trips out, regular gatherings/groups, etc – however please see further info within Financial Eligibility section)

*Providers should consider how to ensure these groups are accessible and inclusive of children and young peoples with a disability, for example smaller groups sizes, appropriate venues, specific needs ie. Visually Impaired etc.

**Where an organisation is already delivery one of the above activities, the provider must be able to show additionality to be eligible for grant funding. For example, expanding the capacity of the service to reach more children and young people.

Application Process

The application window for the Youth Community Fund and Short Break Small Grants programme for 2024-25 will go live from Monday 29th April 2024 and will close on 5pm Monday 27th May 2024. You will be required to register and apply by following the link, which will only be accessible from Monday 29th April 2024: https://backofficereports.mendixcloud.com/link/strongercommunities

All applications must be submitted via the portal; however, you can find a copy of the application guidance notes and eligibility criteria here:

Grant Application Eligibility Criteria and Guidance Notes.docx

There will be a chance to meet the Panel online to discuss the Youth Community Fund and Short Breaks Small Grants Programme and answer any questions, as well as provide support in completing the application. To register your interest and receive a calendar invite or to request further information, please email shortbreaks@knowsley.gov.uk The following dates will be made available:

Wednesday 17th April 2024 – 16:00 – 17:00
Tuesday 7th May 2024 – 16:00 – 17:00
Tuesday 21st May 2024 – 16:00 – 17:00

What happens next?

Review

Completed applications will be reviewed for eligibility against the Fund’s criteria and the budget available. You may be contacted via the portal for more information after applying. Completed applications will then be evaluated by the Panel which is made up of representatives from the Council Commissioning team, Stronger Communities team, Knowsley Parent Carer Voice, One Knowsley and Youth Cabinet members.

Confirmation of funding

Knowsley Council will send confirmation of the funding award to the successful organization via the portal and/or by direct email. Once contacted, the project can then begin to be implemented. All payments will be made via the relevant organisation’s bank account stated within the application.

All recipient organisations will be required to formally sign terms and conditions in relation to the allocation of funding at the beginning of the application process via a Grant Agreement. This process is in place to ensure that public funds are protected. The Council expects decisions to be made within 6 weeks of the closing date for applications.

Evaluation

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate how project outcomes have been met and explain what tools and methods have been used to gather that information. An End of Grant Monitoring Form will be provided, and grant recipients are expected to collect data on the progress of their beneficiaries during the period of the grant, share feedback, and provide a short case study to ensure that the positive impacts against each priority can be recorded, shared, and celebrated.

This form will record: -

Confirmation that all funding has been spent in accordance with the agreed funding approval (evidence should be available for inspection by the Council)
Progress of the project compared to the approved activity.
The number of beneficiaries involved in the project.

The work carried out, e.g., training provided, volunteering opportunities, pupils supported etc. Overall, the form will evaluate the outcomes of the project and confirm what work was carried out. It will explain how objectives were met and will request a robust evaluation of the project. Photographs can also be submitted with the End of Grant Monitoring Form or uploaded to the online portal throughout the funding period so that improvements can be recorded. The End of Grant Monitoring Form will evidence the work completed and will link closely to the Fund's criteria, aims, and objectives.

FAQ's

Who can apply?

Registered charities, constituted voluntary, community and faith organisations, community interest companies, community benefit societies, charitable incorporated organisations, and community amateur sports clubs who have a good history of delivery.

The Council is also keen to support newly established organisations which can demonstrate that they have strong governance structures in place.

Can I submit more than one application for my organisation?

Yes, organisations can apply for one grant only of up to £5,000 to each funding programme. Equating to two applications only per organisation.

I need help with my application, who can I ask?

Please email Shortbreaks@knowsley.gov.uk

What if I have started my application and I need help?
Once you have registered your details on the funding portal and are able to log in, you will be able to use the messaging function to ask questions.

Is there a deadline that I have to submit my application by?

Yes. Deadline for submission of applications is 5pm Monday 27th May 2024. Due to the need to assess applications effectively and issue funds to successful organisations, under no circumstances will applications be accepted after this deadline.

What are the supporting documents I will need to submit with by online application form?

NB* it is advised that you locate these documents ahead of starting your online application. Failure to provide required documentation will result in applications being rejected.

We require a copy of your:

Public Liability Insurance
Employers Liability Insurance (where applicable)
Diversity & Equal Opportunities policy
A risk assessment covering your organisation's activities.
Safeguarding Policy for Children/Vulnerable Adults
Covid 19 policy for staff, volunteers, trustees, and clients
Copy of organisation's latest bank statement
Names of a least two signatories on the business account
A copy of your latest accounts

How are decisions communicated?
We aim to give you a decision about your application within 6 weeks

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via the portal.

Can I get feedback as to why my application has not been successful?

You will receive a message via the funding portal informing you on this occasion that you have not been successful. Where possible we will provide some specific feedback on why the application was unsuccessful but please note that sometimes it can be purely due to oversubscription.

Can I appeal the decision?

No. All decisions made by the panel are final.

How are grants paid?

If approved, grants are paid by electronic transfer direct to your bank, which is why we ask for an up-to-date bank statement.

If successful, what sort of reporting will I need to do?

We require all our grant recipients to complete an End of Grant Monitoring form once they have finished spending the grant. This will be issued direct to you via the funding portal at the end of your Funding period however, you will have the option to upload evidence onto your account within the Funding portal throughout the duration of your Funding period.

I don’t think I will be able to spend my full grant allocation within the Funding period, what should I do?

Any underspend against your project must be notified to the council at the earliest opportunity in order to obtain further advice and guidance. Failure to do may result in the full amount of the grant being recalled.

My project has changed from its original plan, what should I do?

Any variations from original application submissions must be notified to the council at the earliest opportunity. You will be able to do this via the online messaging function within the funding portal. We will need to know the reason for the variation request and whether this will impact when the funding will be spent.