How do I apply?

Getting started

It's easy. Start by contacting a Council officer or local Ward Councillor to talk through your idea. You can see who that is by clicking on the section below.

Who can apply?

Any community organisation or individual can apply for Community Funding.  Organisations must have official papers that state that they are set up not to make profit.  Applications from businesses will not be considered.  Individuals must be able to show that they are applying on behalf of the community.

There are certain things we will consider when making decisions on whether to offer community funding for your project. The guidance on 'criteria' will tell you all you need to know.

When can you apply?

You can apply at any time.

How much can you apply for?

You can apply for any amount but if you are looking for more than £5,000, you will be expected to contribute at least the same amount of money to the project from other sources.

• In most cases you can only apply for funding to meet one off capital costs.
• If you are setting up a new project, you can apply for a one off payment covering revenue costs, for a limited period of time agreed with the Council.
• If you are applying for more than £5,000, you will be expected to contribute at least the same amount of money to the project from other sources.
• You can only apply for funding for a project that has not yet started.
• If you have previously received Community Funding from us, you will only be able to submit another application after two years have passed since the date your funding was approved.

What type of project is funded?

We have helped fund a variety of projects – from an easy access trail to football kit for youngsters. You can see some examples of successful projects.

What we ask for

To help us to be able to consider your funding request and give you a swift answer, we ask for information and documents up front.  These include things like a copy of your organisation's accounts (so we can prioritise our funding to projects that could not otherwise be funded) and a copy of quotes (so we can make sure your project is getting value for money).  The full details of the information we request can be found on our 'checklist'. 

How to apply?

Once you have checked that your project meets the criteria (141 KB), simply talk your idea through with your Ward Councillor or contact the Leisure and Community Team directly (telephone 01329 236100 or email leisure@fareham.gov.uk).  We will be very interested to hear about your project and discuss how we can support you to make it happen.

Who makes the final decision?

We will do an initial assessment of your bid and let you know if it meets the criteria. We will then work with you to complete the application form. If you are applying on behalf of an organisation you will need to include supporting documentation such as audited accounts. Your completed application will be sent to local ward councillors for their views and comment before a report is presented to the Executive Member for Leisure and Community for a final decision. Applications for more than £15,000 are presented to a meeting of the Executive for consideration.

Learn from others

Previous reasons that we have not approved funding requests are:-

• They have come from businesses.
• They haven't provided the information we requested.
• The project doesn't benefit the wider community.
• Their project is already underway.
• We have identified other sources of funding that would be more appropriate for them.

How long does an application take?

For grant applications of up to £15,000, once the application form is completed and submitted a decision will be made as quickly as possible. Grant applications for more than £15,000 are considered by the Council's Executive and it meets once a month. Other councillors have the right to 'call in' an individual decision made by the Executive Member for Leisure and Community or the Council's Executive within seven days of the decision. They can then ask questions about the decision. After this 'call in' period has passed – and subject to the applicant signing our terms and conditions – the money will be released.

The Leisure and Community Team will be very pleased to meet with you to answer any queries and support you through your application. Simply call us on 01329 236100 or email leisure@fareham.gov.uk.