GRANTS GUIDELINES
- Distribution of Surplus Funds
The Society will offer grants to organisations and individuals subject to: –
(a) funds being available and
(b)it can be demonstrated that a grant will make a real difference and be of benefit to the lives of the residents of Westbury–sub-Mendip.
Applications will be assessed by the Committee bi-annually (March & September) on a competitive basis.
- Who can apply?
Applications will be considered from the following: –
- Any club or organisation operating in the parish of Westbury-sub-Mendip which can: –
- can demonstrate that the donation is for a specific project which will benefit of members of the community and has
- a constitution and
- a bank account with at least two signatories or
- in the case of a new organisation, which cannot comply with the requirements of 2.1(b) and 2.1(c) a statement of intent jointly signed by the managing committee, will be acceptable.
- Any individuals who: –
- has been in continuous residence in Westbury-sub-Mendip for the last twelve months or
- is a member of the Friendly Society and has been for the last twelve months
- show that they are raising funds by their own efforts, and have checked to ascertain that there are no other grants available from other sources and
- can demonstrate genuine hardship or
- that they are undertaking a project designed to benefit residents of Westbury–sub-Mendip.
- Westbury Village Stores and St Lawrence’s School subject to them demonstrating that the grant is for a specific project which will benefit all members of the community.
- Who cannot apply?
Applications will not be considered from any private business or commercial enterprise or any statutory body not mentioned above in 2.3
- What cannot be funded?
- Activities, which have already taken, place or start before the grant is awarded.
- Normal costs incurred in running an organisation
- Cash donations to general funds.
- Endowments or loan repayments.
Young Persons Grant
All young people having completed year eleven shall be given a £25 voucher, subject to funds being available and his/her parents or guardian have been in continuous residence in Westbury-sub-Mendip for the last twelve months. Ordinarily the award would be a £25 book token, but it could also be a £25 voucher for buying tools or other appropriate support items.
Conditions
- Applications must be made on official forms, available from the Chairman or Secretary, and must be received on or before 1st March or 1st September.
- The maximum grant to an organisation will not exceed £300.
- The maximum grant to an individual will not exceed £100.
- No one individual will be considered for a further grant within a period of three years.
- In the case of clubs and organisations, requests should be for specific items or projects.
- The applicant may be required to meet the Committee to clarify their details contained within their application.
- In exceptional circumstances, the Committee will consider urgent or emergency applications at times between the March and September deadlines.
The committee is sensitive to the aim of the Society which is to maintain the rural tradition, which exists in Westbury-sub-Mendip, and enhance the well being and social life of residents of all ages, by supporting and promoting activities for the benefit of the community. The committee takes into account these aims during its deliberation on any application. The committee is responsible for funds donated by the residents of the village hence the committee reserves the right to reject any application or apportion funds as they see fit. The decision of the committee is final and they will not enter into discussions with the applicant or others regarding the basis of their decision.
The committee will wish to make public the details of grant awarded and will require successful applicants to provide a report detailing how the grant was spent and the benefits derived.
These criteria are subject to tri-annual review and the next review shall take place in January 2027.
Any questions or doubts about whether a particular application is likely to qualify for support should be addressed to the Chairman or Secretary of the Friendly Society.
Please download the grant application form here:-