Review of Grant Aid

Today’s agenda Introductions Short presentation Group discussions Feedback from groups What next?

What we hope to achieve today Is: A better understanding of the survey results. ◦ identify funding priorities for the future with less money ◦ shape proposals for future grant aid schemes

Background of current schemes Last review in 2004 Grant schemes under review: ◦ Development ◦ Support ◦ Support to Youth Centres ◦ Ground Maintenance of Outdoor Sports Pitches ◦ Maintenance of Community Facilities

Local financial position Shetland Islands Council Savings of £9.9m required in 2010/11 Savings of between £15m – £17m required in 2011/12 Head of Finance to review overall position – December 2010 Shetland Charitable Trust Standstill budget in 2010/11 & 2011/12 Total grant budgets for 2010/11 = £334,246 Future grant aid budgets to reduce by 15%?

Economic Benefits of Grant Aid 1,090 revenue grants awarded by Grants Unit in previous 5 financial years Total project costs of £4,397,017 Total grant aid of £1,969,064 Total match funding of £2,427,953 Majority of grant aid spent in Shetland economy

Community Benefits of Grant Aid Improving quality of life Sustaining rural communities and facilities Supporting employment throughout Shetland Assisting individuals and groups to achieve their full potential Encouraging lifelong learning and volunteering

Initial consultation results 430 questionnaires 136 responses 31% response rate Statistics and comments received

Initial consultation results Question 1 Should financial support be made available for individuals as well as groups? Yes-36.0% (49) No-47.1% (64) Don’t know-16.9% (23)

Initial consultation results Question 2 Should an assessment of bank balances held by the community groups be introduced for the new grant aid schemes? Yes-55.9% (76) No-29.4% (40) Don’t know-14.7% (20)

Initial consultation results Question 3 Should future grant aid schemes continue to prioritise funding for groups that cater primarily or exclusively for children and young people under 18 years of age? Yes-64.7% (88) No-27.2% (37) Don’t know- 8.1% (11)

Initial consultation results Question 4 Should future grant aid schemes continue to provide a higher level of funding for umbrella bodies/Associations that have an agreed development plan for their group? Yes-51.5% (70) No-18.4% (25) Don’t know-30.1% (41)

Initial consultation results Question 5 Should future grant aid schemes consider funding to amalgamated groups for a number of different activities? Yes-43.4% (59) No-17.6% (24) Don’t know-39.0% (53)

Initial consultation results Question 6 Should future grant aid schemes continue to prioritise funding for groups that manage community facilities in Shetland? Yes-69.8% (95) No-10.3% (14) Don’t know-19.9% (27)

Initial consultation results Question 7 What further assistance should individuals and groups be offered in order to secure more external funding? Main responses More information and access to funding opportunities More advice and assistance with completing grant applications Continue with support and assistance of Community Work / Sport & Leisure / Grants Unit Provide on-line database or guide on external funding Hold regular training workshops or events to publicise funding opportunities

Initial consultation results Question 8 In the event of less funding how can grant aid schemes benefit more people and be more effective? Main responses No changes - leave grant schemes as they are Reduce grant percentages and/or maximum amounts Less funding to groups with large reserves Less funding for adult groups Less paperwork: fewer schemes, simplify process, online applications Groups to fund raise more and higher parental contributions Increased scrutiny during application process and more emphasis on the evaluation of projects Consideration of participation levels – funding to projects with most community benefit/people involved

Initial consultation results Question 9 Please use the space below to make any other relevant comments. M ain responses Keep the grant schemes simple and minimise demands on volunteers Eliminate the percentage based approach to funding Groups are already having financial problems Grants schemes really help communities and provide value for money Introduce longer term funding and better financial planning Prioritise funding for remote and rural areas

What do you think?

What happens next? Consultation – completed November 2010 Draft proposals – agreed December 2010 Final proposals – considered by March 2011 New grant aid schemes - April 2011