The Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing introduced a report setting out information about the Community Grant Scheme and summarising applications received by the Council from voluntary organisations for funding during 2012/13.  The aim of the Community Grant Scheme was to support voluntary organisations that, through their work, contributed to the priorities set out in the Sustainable Community Action Plan 2010-13.  The grant guidelines were reviewed during 2010/11 and revised guidelines were agreed by Cabinet on 30 September 2010.

The grant scheme was publicised widely across the District within the voluntary sector, through town and parish councils, libraries and in the press in September 2011.  The total budget available for distribution in 2012/13 was  £153,331, including £98,540 for the Citizen’s Advice Bureaux in the District.  A total of 38 Grant applications were received, representing total grant requests of £105,672.  A full list of grants recommended to voluntary and youth groups was attached to Appendix C to the report..  An Equalities Impact Assessment had been undertaken and the allocations scheme was assessed as compliant.

The Chairman noted that grants had been allocated to a range of organisations and that the organisations worked hard to provide exceptional value for money.  The Chairman reported that he was proud to be able financially to continue to support voluntary organisations within the District and congratulated the organisations on the excellent work that they did to support the most vulnerable people in the District.

            Resolved that the Grants, as set out in Appendix C to the report, be approved subject to the following conditions:

(i)      that performance indicators are adhered to and monitored; 

(ii)     that appropriate recognition of the this Council’s funding contribution is made in all their publicity; and

(iii)    where services are provided over a wider area than the District boundaries, organisations will be required to hold grant aid from this Council in a restricted fund for the benefit of Sevenoaks District residents.