'West Yorkshire Grants believes the voluntary sector can provide services for the community which other agencies do not or cannot fulfil. The Grants Sub-committee welcome applications from all areas of the voluntary sector and, subject to available funds, will support those organisations that demonstrate they will make a significant contribution to one or more of the Key Priorities of the West Yorkshire district councils’

KEY PRIORITIES

West Yorkshire Grants provides financial support to not-for-profit organisations that can demonstrate they make a significant positive impact on the social or cultural infrastructure of West Yorkshire and operate in, or benefit people from, a minimum of three of the five districts of West Yorkshire (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield). Consideration will also be given to those organisations that provide support services to the voluntary sector in West Yorkshire.

The Sub-Committee will give priority to those organisations that can demonstrate that their activities will make a significant contribution to one or more of the following Key Priorities:

•Safer and Stronger Communities

Improving the quality of life of residents through reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, strengthening community cohesion and tackling alcohol and drug abuse. Feeling safe in their homes and stronger communities is a high priority amongst the citizens of West Yorkshire. Joint Services work with communities, victims and partners to raise awareness prevent and reduce disorder and address some of the causes of anti-social behaviour.

Examples of how funded organisations have contributed to this Key Priority include activities that promote citizenship, reduce anti-social behaviour, cultural activities and sport including libraries and the historic environment, supporting and encouraging disadvantaged groups. Quality of life activities include access to artistic and cultural events, performing and visual arts.

•Children and Young People

Based around ‘Every Child Matters’ and designed to improve the outcomes for all children and young people. Every Child Matters is based on five outcomes which children and young people have identified as key to their well being both in childhood and later life – being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well being.

Examples of how funded organisations have contributed to this Key Priority include encouraging and offering participation in sporting, educational and cultural activities particularly for those children who are disadvantaged and would not otherwise have such opportunities.

•Healthier Communities and Older People

Improving the health of the residents of West Yorkshire by focussing on areas and communities who currently suffer from the worst outcomes. Actions include helping people lead healthier improved lifestyles through increasing the number of people using local facilities and participation in the community, reducing smoking, improving access to information and through providing advice and support to enhance the well being of older people.

Examples of how funded organisations have contributed to this Key Priority include activities that promote healthier lifestyles through sport and dance, provision of debt and money advice and reduction of alcohol and drug use.

•Economic Development and the Environment

Creating genuinely sustainable communities through supporting the right conditions for economic growth, increasing the levels of employment, improving skills, providing support to business and improving the environment.
Examples of how funded organisations have contributed to this Key Priority include activities that provide support to vulnerable groups excluded from economic and cultural life, provision of debt and money advice, targeting areas of low income, high long term unemployment and support to regional tourism and culture. Activities that promote environmental improvements including the restoration, protection and enhancement of the historical environment, recycling and energy efficiency.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

•Organisations must be independent and formally constituted
•West Yorkshire Grants will not fund activities of a party political or predominantly religious nature
•Organisations must operate in or benefit people from a minimum of three districts of West Yorkshire, these being Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield
•Organisations must be able to demonstrate the application of equal opportunity policies in their work
•Organisations must have a business plan and be able to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of their management and financial skills
•Organisations must be able to target their client group and demonstrate their
effectiveness to the satisfaction of the Sub-Committee
•Organisations with significant unrestricted reserves will not be considered
•Organisations must have a track record of at least two years' work in West Yorkshire
•Organisations must have formal annual accounts and provide other such information as is required by the Sub-Committee

West Yorkshire Grants will not provide funding in respect of:

•Applications from other than not-for-profit organisations
•Applications from public or local authorities
•Prize money
•Donations towards the general fund raising of an organisation
•National organisations unless they are undertaking work in West Yorkshire which meets the Sub Committee's criteria
•Retrospective applications
•Capital projects such as buildings or equipment

There will normally be a minimum grant level of £5,000 for all applicants.

There will normally be a maximum grant level of £10,000 for new applicants although this may be increased by the Sub Committee in exceptional circumstances.

All grants will be subject to the availability of funding and will normally be offered on an annual basis, though three year funding may be available if the Sub-Committee considers an organisation’s activities to be of key strategic importance to the sub-region.

Notice of withdrawal of funding will be given if possible but the Sub-Committee reserves the right to withdraw funding without notice.

There is no appeal from the decision of the Sub-Committee