Pendle Borough Council
Market Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 7LG
Tel: 01282 661661 Fax: 01282 661130
Grants to Voluntary, Cultural and Sporting Organisations
The Council recognises the value to the Borough of the voluntary, charitable sporting and cultural organisations that work in the area. It supports the work of these groups wherever possible and one of the ways is through providing financial assistance through grants.
What is available?
The Council allocates a sum of money each year for this purpose. Unfortunately, the total amount is limited, but each application is dealt with on its merits.
Who can apply?
Any locally based organisation that exists for the benefit of the residents of Pendle, providing that it is non-profit making. There are certain rules and exclusions.
How do I apply?
There is no official application form - just write a letter telling us about your Organisation, what it does, how it helps the local community and why the money is wanted.
When do I need to apply?
Most of the Council's budget for financial assistance is allocated soon after the start of the financial year, so it is best to apply in March or April. (An advertisement inviting applications is placed in the local press in March or April each year).
Do I need to provide anything else?
We need to see evidence of the financial state of the Organisation - normally sets of accounts for previous years.
Can I rely on continued assistance?
No. You must show that the Organisation intends to be self-supporting in future years. This does not mean, however, that support will not be given to a future specific or one-off project.
If you think your Organisation might qualify for a grant please email, or write to :-
Group Accountant
Grants to Voluntary, Cultural and Sporting Organisations,
Accountancy & Audit Services,
Elliott House,
9 Market Square,
Nelson, BB9 0LX
Alternatively you can telephone on: 01282 661871
For Sporting Organisations, contact:
Pendle Leisure,
Bank House,
Albert Road,
Colne, BB8 0BP,
Telephone: 01282 661225
Criteria Applied in Considering Applications
The following rules are currently applied when the Council considers requests for a grant or donation :-
- Applications should relate to schemes or organisations that provide a wide community benefit.
- The work of the Organisation should directly benefit the Borough or its residents.
- In general grants will only assist with a specific need or project rather than to assist the general expenses of an Organisation.
- Generally, no grant or donation over £5,000 will be made and requests will not be approved where it appears that the Organisation has sufficient money for its own purposes.
- Any Organisation receiving free use of a building will be treated as receiving a donation to that value.
- Financial accounts, records or details must be provided.
- The financial situation of the Organisation should show that there is a need for granting assistance to enable it to operate on a viable basis.
- Organisations must show that they aim to become self-supporting without further future support.
- Given the limited amount of money available for assistance applications will not be considered from national charities and organisations and local branches of national youth organisations such as Boys and Girls Brigades, Scouts, Guides and Brownies
