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 2012.
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.
NOTE: – The Grant Application Form is currently being revised. Please e-mail The Chairman on tonyshepherd@mbzonline.net for a copy of the latest version.
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Support for individuals and families affected by Covid-19
The Friendly Society has responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by introducing a new grant scheme for individuals and families whose finances have been adversely affected. The scheme is for residents of Westbury Sub Mendip and is not restricted to members of the Friendly Society. Details of the scheme, including how to apply, are available here Financial Support Guidance and Application Form
A copy of the guide for applicants is given below.
2020 Coronavirus Support Fund
A Guide for Applicants – Individuals and Families
Introduction
Friendly Societies were originally formed to provide an early form of social security and would help members when they hit hard times. The Westbury Friendly Society was founded in the late eighteenth century and is one of only five remaining in Somerset. Currently, many people’s finances have been affected very badly by the coronavirus situation, and continuing with tradition, a support fund has now been established to help residents of the Westbury-sub-Mendip parish.
Anyone who is experiencing temporary financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19 may apply. You do not have to be a member of the Friendly Society.
This document sets out:
- the eligibility and criteria for application
- what will and will not be supported and
- how to apply.
This application form and notes apply to individuals and families.
Those seeking financial support for local voluntary organisations should use the separate form here (embed link)
Who can apply?
Applications will be considered from any individual who: –
- has been ordinarily resident in the parish of Westbury-sub-Mendip for the last twelve months
- is self-employed or employed and has lost income owing to Covid-19
- is over the age of 18 and has a UK bank account for payment
- is not a full-time student
- has a household income of less than £15000
Note: In accordance with (a) above, applications will not be considered from residents of Westbury-sub-Mendip on behalf of family members who do not live in the parish of Westbury-sub-Mendip.
How to apply
All applications must be made to the Chairman of the Friendly Society (ts15abs@gmail.com) in the first instance, using the form below. Your application will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. The small Grants Committee will review your application and give a response within 10 days.
If your application is successful you will be ask you how you would like to receive the funding.
What will be supported.
- The Friendly Society has limited resources. This support scheme is designed to provide interim assistance to those members of our community who currently are experiencing financial difficulties.
- Consideration will be given to all applications receive; however the Friendly Society has limited funds, and therefore they cannot guarantee that all sums applied for will be met in full.
- We are unable to replace your income. We aim to provide one-off short-term support towards immediate and essentialliving expenses (food, bills etc.).
- We aim to support cases of genuine financial difficulty where other sources of funding are not available or, are not available in time to meet current need.
- We will only be able to consider one application per household.
- In addition to making grant payments, we also aim to help people find information on longer term sources of financial assistance, and organisations who are able to provide support with health, emotional or other difficulties resulting from the crisis.
Support for applicants
Individuals considering applying may find it helpful to talk through their circumstances in confidence with an advisor who can:
- help with completing the application,
- suggest additional potential sources of financial support and
- advise on other types of support that may be available.
To access this support please leave a telephone or text message on 07851 227855 giving your telephone number and saying that you would like to talk about financial support. Someone will ring you back.
Policy for the Protection of Personal Data
The Grants Committee managing the Coronavirus Support Fund on behalf of Westbury Friendly Society is committed to protecting the rights and privacy of all residents applying for support.
The Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) and General Data Protection Regulations govern the use of information about an individual’s personal data.
We acknowledge that to access this programme you will be providing Westbury Friendly Society with personal information. We take the responsibility for keeping this information secure and confidential.
The information you provide will be used to assess whether the Westbury Friendly Society can provide interim financial assistance to you. All applications will be allocated a unique reference number to ensure identifiable information is anonymised.
We will not share your personal information with any other organisation or body.
Information received will be stored electronically with access secured under password protection. On conclusion of the Assistance Programme all information stored will be deleted.
Application forms can be obtained from the friendly Society Chairman