Supporting Voluntary Organisations

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for funding?
To be eligible to apply for funding under the grant programmes your organisation must:

Be constituted as a charity or not for profit organisation as defined by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations – "self governing bodies of people who have joined together voluntarily to take action for the befit of the community and are established otherwise that profit or gain"

Be able to show how the service or activity put forward for funding meets the needs of people living, working or studying in Westminster

What can my organisation apply for?
The Council provides Funding for core costs not capital items. Your organisation will have to meet the criteria that are set out in the grant programme you wish to apply under. If you do wish to apply for a capital grant then you can apply to the Edward Harvist Trust.

Can I apply under more then one grant programme?
Yes. A separate application form must be submitted for each project/service/activity that is being applied for.

Can I submit more then one application?
Yes, as long as each application submitted is for a separate project/service/activity.

Do you consider Partnership Bids?
Yes you must select one organisation to be the actual applicant on behalf of the Partnership, and financial/organisational information given must be that of the applicant organisation. The Trustee’s or Management Committee of the applicant organisation will be accountable for the grant award. You must also give a clear account of why a partnership is needed and how it will manage the work. Being a lead in a partnership bid does not affect the organisation’s individual funding relationship with the Council

Does the Council require match funding?
No, but in our financial assessment we would look at what other funders are either already involved in the project or have been approached, to determine how sustainable the project is. There is also additional criteria for longer term funding around tapering and reducing reliance on the council over the funding period, so when assessing those applications we will take all other funding towards the project into account.

My organisation has been awarded Longer Term Funding am I still able to apply?
Yes, although your funding is secured for that project you are able to apply for funding. Any application you make will need to be for a different project/service/activity.

I am having difficulty filling in my application form, can I get help?
There are guidance notes included in each application pack, please refer to them when completing the application, they give quite detailed guidance on how to complete form as well as other information.

What is the deadline for submitting my application?
The deadline for submitting applications for funding for 2008/09 is now closed. 

If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive an application pack for funding for 2009/10then please call 020 7641 5921 or vsu@westminster.gov.uk

Can I alter my application after it has been submitted?
No

When will I hear something about my application?
The assessment process takes place between October and November.The assessment is based purely on the application form and any additional information submitted. Applicants are informed of the success of their application in December. There is a timetable included in the application pack which details the assessment process and tells you when you should expect to hear from your assessment officer.

Are grants awarded "All or Nothing"?
No, due to budget constraints organisations can not always be awarded the amount they have applied for. If you are recommended for funding at less than what you applied for in a grant officer will usually talk to you about what outcomes and outputs you are able to provide for the amount offered.

Who makes the grant decisions?
2 Officers assess each application and make recommendations however the final decision is made by the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Services, The Cabinet Member for Children's Services and the Cabinet Member for Customer Services.

When will I know my final grant allocation?
Organisations should expect to be officially informed by post by Mid March however by this time you will already have been in discussion with an officer to determine outputs and outcomes so you should have an idea of your funding offer by December.

What happens if our grant is successful?
All applicants are normally informed in writing of the final grant offer mid March. You will be required to sign and return the Conditions of Funding and Service Level Agreement if you have not already done so. We will then request information from you in order to facilitate your payment. The first payment is usually made on 1st April and at the first working day of every quarter thereafter. Grants of less than £5,000 will get 2 payments on the 1st April and 1st October unless otherwise stated.

Can projects in schools be included in an application for funding?
Projects in schools cannot be included in an application for funding. This is because, under the government passporting requirements, the schools receive the money directly. They are then able to spend it according to their priorities. Applicants hoping to undertake work in schools should contact the schools directly to discuss a funding/project proposal.