Grant Funding

Ashington Town Council aims to promote and protect the quality of life and well-being of those who live in, work in, or visit the local area. To this end, the Council offer grants to local organisations based in, or providing services to the locality, to help them maintain and develop their services, facilities, and activities. When allocating Grant Aid, the Council will consider each case on its merits and may give priority to those groups providing services and facilities and/or fulfilling a role where there are currently ‘gaps’ in provision.

The Council has a long history of funding sports clubs and local charities with annual subsidies, and of making funding available to provide smaller grants throughout the year.

Annual Grant Aid Funding

The Council has agreed an Annual Grant Aid Funding process and has set aside funds for this purpose in the financial year 2023/24.

The Council aims to strengthen links with funded groups throughout the year as a means of mutually sharing decisions, activities, and events, but also to ensure good governance. Recipients of significant grants will be expected to provide updates throughout the year, with particular emphasis on how funding has been spent, and the Council will pay funding quarterly.

The Council will to seek public recognition of awards by recipients and will publicise the awards made to demonstrate to use of public funds.

The Council has agreed funding criteria which applicants must ensure they meet before applying. Community groups and organisations that are missing any of the criteria required are encouraged to contact the Council to discuss this. We would hope to support groups to be able to apply, where possible.

Funding Criteria that must be met

Grant Aid is for voluntary, non-profit making organisations who provide facilities, activities, and services principally for residents served by Ashington Town Council.

Typically, these organisations include sports, play and art clubs, community associations, youth organisations, organisations that assist disadvantaged/vulnerable groups and charitable trusts.

To be eligible to apply for funding from Ashington Town Council, you must be able to provide the following:

• A constitution or governing document, or written aims and objectives.
• Up-to-date financial information, including latest accounts and bank statement.
• A set a basic core policies:
• • Health & Safety
  • Equality and Diversity
  • Safeguarding
  • Data Protection and GDPR
  • Risk Management
  • Complaints Procedure
  • Personnel, including volunteers and employees

For what can grants be used?

Annual Grant Aid Funding can be used for capital (e.g. purchasing tools and equipment) or revenue expenditure (e.g. running costs) and/or as ‘start-up’ funding for new bodies.

Organisations that will not be funded

1. Individuals
2. Business organisations whose aim is profit
3. National charities (unless specific direct services are provided within the local area)
4. Other organisations operating from outside Ashington (unless specific direct services are provided within the local area, or these organisations contribute to the wellbeing of the Town and its residents)

Small Grants throughout the year

Small Grants will be invited and awarded four times a year, as shown below (please note that dates may be changed prior to announcement). 

Based on the budget agreed for 2023/24, Ashington Town Council has £20,000 available for this purpose. Community groups and organisations will be invited to apply for small grants of less than £500. You can only apply for a small grant of £500 once in the financial year.

Funding Criteria that must be met

Grant Aid is for voluntary, non-profit making organisations who provide facilities, activities, and services principally for residents served by Ashington Town Council.

Typically, these organisations include sports, play and art clubs, community associations, youth organisations, organisations that assist disadvantaged/vulnerable groups and charitable trusts.

To be eligible to apply for funding from Ashington Town Council, you must be able to provide the following:

• A constitution or governing document, or written aims and objectives.
• Up-to-date financial information, including latest accounts and bank statement.
• A set a basic core policies (please contact the Council to discuss this)
• In addition, if you are applying for a Small Grant from Ashington Town Council, you must be prepared to explain the purpose of any reserves held.

We want to support organisations who may not have all the documents required, so please contact Sharon Parmley if that is the case.

Organisations that will not be funded

1. Individuals.
2. Business organisations whose aim is profit.
3. National charities (unless specific direct services are provided within the local area).
4. Schools.
5. Religious establishments.
6. Other organisations operating from outside Ashington (unless specific direct services are provided within the local area, or these organisations contribute to the wellbeing of the Town and its residents)

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