This grants programme has been launched by Hart District Council, in partnership with Hart Voluntary Action.
Aim of the fund
The pandemic has led to an increase in social isolation and loneliness, particularly for people within the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable or Clinically Vulnerable groups (both adults and children). National evidence also indicates that disabled people, whether or not they have ‘underlying health conditions’ that place them at higher risk of COVID-19, are more likely to report that restrictions have had greater impact on their lives than non-disabled people.
We are inviting voluntary and community organisations, and parish and town councils, to submit ideas for projects which enable Hart residents in these groups to:
- connect with others and rebuild or create new community connections
- regain their confidence and independence
- improve their physical or mental wellbeing
A project could cover a wider area but you will need to tell us how many Hart residents you expect to benefit and the amount you apply for should reflect this as a proportion of the total project cost.
Funding and support available
Practical support to help you develop your idea such as promotion, networking with local organisations, help identifying venues if in-person delivery is part of the project, support to identify match funding.
A grant of up to £2,500 (please tell us the least amount of funding you need in order to help us make funds go as far as possible)
Applications will be invited for as long as there is funding available.
Who can apply to the fund?
Voluntary and community sector organisations and parish and town Councils. We cannot fund applications from individuals or commercial organisations.
We can fund:
- Projects which enable existing initiatives/services to reach more beneficiaries
- Projects/initiatives which exist in other areas and funding would enable expansion into Hart district
- New initiatives which respond to emerging need
- Project running costs including salaries but only those that relate to direct delivery of the project
- Small capital costs providing the capital item will address the priorities of the fund (please note that receipts will be required for capital items that have been purchased).
We cannot fund:
- Projects which relate solely to religious purposes
- Activities that are part of the usual support provided by the organisation unless funding would enable the project to reach more beneficiaries or the activity is not currently offered in Hart and the funding would enable expansion into Hart
- Loss of income
- We cannot provide retrospective funding for projects which have already been delivered
- Large capital items
- Political activities or lobby groups
- Organisations applying on behalf of a third party
- Organisations which have already received grant funding from Hart District Council for the same project, in the same financial year
- Support delivered by a national charity where there is no local branch.
How to apply
Ensure that your project idea meets the aims and criteria of the scheme
Get in touch to tell us about your idea at covid19help@hartvolaction.org.uk. Please provide the following information:
- The name of your group or organisation
- A brief overview of your project idea
- Whether this would be a new project, or a continuation or expansion of an existing project.
- If it is a new initiative, please provide an estimate of when the project would be established by
- An estimate of numbers the project would support.
A member of the team will contact you to discuss your project further including what support you are looking for. If the team feels the project would meet the aims and remit of the programme, it will invite you to submit an application form.