2. 1. Sussex Community Foundation 2
1. Sussex Community Foundation 2. Grants Programme and Process, including new funds for groups in Mid-Sussex 3. Top Tips for Funding Applications

3. One of 46 Community Foundations in UK
Founded 2006
Based in Lewes but covering West and East Sussex, Brighton and Hove
Our main purpose: to raise funds for and make grants to community groups and small charities across Sussex addressing disadvantage and need, and help build resilient communities

4. Scale of ambition
In 2006/07 SCF awarded 40 grants (total value of around £130,000)
In 2016/17 SCF awarded 669 grants to a total value of £1,993,409 with almost £60,000 awarded to groups in Mid-Sussex
SUSSEX UNCOVERED 2: BRIDGING THE GAP

5. Donors 100+ different donor funds
Community Foundation model allows donors to focus on their area of interest
Funds come from donors who want to give something back to Sussex communities

6. Grant application process
Sussex Community Foundations manages 3 grant rounds each year– with deadlines in:
January, May and September
Funds – some 3 times each year, some twice and some only once
Additional pots of money during the year,
e.g. #iwill (previously Youth Social Action), Tampon Tax Community Fund
Up to date information on what’s available at:

7. New funds for groups in Mid-Sussex
2 new family funds – Price and Knighton
Both are now available for the current round which closes on 14th September 2018
Grants up to £5000
Both are aimed at groups working to support children & young people in the Mid Sussex area. This can include education, skills and training, addressing general disadvantage or those who might have physical or learning disabilities.

8. Who can apply?
Volunteer led community groups & smaller charities (income levels up to £1,000,000 unless otherwise specified)
You should have –
a constitution/set of rules
a management committee (with cheque signatories)
a bank account for the group
accounts or signed records of expenditure
where appropriate, the relevant policies
Unsure if you can apply? Contact Sussex Community Foundation or Mid-Sussex Voluntary Action (MSVA)

9. How much and what can you apply for?
Generally SCF grants are for between £1,000 and £5,000
Funding could support:
Equipment and materials
Events or outings
Staffing
Training and skills development
Rent or hire of premises
Volunteers expenses

10. What type of work/activity can you apply for support for?
Youth club activities
Lunch Clubs for older people
Community transport
Community gardens
Projects addressing homelessness
Community advice and support
Food banks
Health and well-being initiatives
Projects addressing drug and alcohol misuse

11. The application form
For the majority of our funds please use our online SCF application form which is available at
If you are unable to access the online form, please contact us and we’ll provide you with a copy of the form
Don’t forget to look at our ‘Guidance for Applicants’

12. Some tips when applying to SCF SCF
Apply in good time
Read Guidance for Applicants
Identify and contact your referee in good time
Check anything you’re not sure about with the Sussex Community Foundation Grants Team
Ensure your application and supporting documents reach Sussex Community Foundation by 1700 on closing date
Sign up to our grants e-newsletter for the latest information and news about deadlines and new funds

13. What happens next?
Approximately 10 weeks from closing date to decision notification
We will contact you if we need further information or clarification about your application
Panels meet and decisions are made
A final panel meeting brings together all the activity for the round
And finally a word about feedback and reapplying (if you’re not successful this time)

14. What makes a good grant application?
1. Are you ready to apply?
Give yourself plenty of time
Is the group properly set up?
Do you have the necessary governance?
Where to go to for help with this

15. What makes a good grant application?
2. Aligning yourself with the funder’s objectives
Check the criteria for applying
Identify people who can help put the application together and review the final draft
Contact the funder if you have questions about eligibility

16. What makes a good grant application?
3. Evidencing the need for your project/activity
Put yourself in their shoes
Don’t assume any prior knowledge
Use relevant data and direct quotes if appropriate
Bring the application to life

17. What makes a good grant application?
4. Evidencing that the activity/project is well thought through and planned, and that you can manage it
Lots of ‘who, what, how, when’ questions to consider
Put yourself in their shoes – especially if the project/activity is something unfamiliar

18. What makes a good grant application?
5. Be realistic when costing your project/activity
How much, what for and how long
If giving salary costs then break these down a bit
If providing equipment/costs for work consider providing estimates or catalogue details

19. What makes a good grant application?
6. Show how the activity/project can make a difference
Think about monitoring/evaluating at an early stage
Focus on the impact of the project/activity on the community/beneficiary, rather than on what it does

20. What makes a good grant application?
And finally….
Don’t leave it until the last minute
Talk to the funder at an early stage if necessary
Be imaginative and make the application memorable
Don’t assume any prior knowledge of what you do
Would you be convinced by your application and want to fund it?

21. Contact details
SCF website:
Phone: SCF Grants Team Hannah, Adrian, Tom or Tracy on
Download a copy of Sussex Uncovered 2
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