This is a one-off programme aiming to increase community resilience during the current cost of living crisis and beyond through seed corn funding.
It is about improving the resilience of the community as a whole, promoting equality and diversity instead of highlighting inequalities, people caring for each other no matter of background and sharing of resources.
'Cotswold Connected Community & Food Programme' aims to support local priorities with a focus on sustainable solutions that help tackling the root causes of local inequalities, the current cost of living crisis and to strengthen community resilience in the longer term.
Projects and initiatives are being asked to recognise the significant stigma that many people may feel when well-meaning support initiatives are targeted at those ‘most in need’ or ‘the poor’. The language you use to describe your project or activity, and the way in which you present the initiatives you host or plan, are vital to reducing these feelings.
The intention of the programme is that the work and funding will promote the values and principles of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach which builds on the assets that are found in the community and mobilises individuals, associations, and institutions to come together to realise and develop their strengths.
Projects have to be community-led, self-sustaining by the communities themselves and reflect a true partnership approach.
Criteria
This programme is open to not-for-profit Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and Social Enterprises. We would also like to hear from individuals or small un-constituted groups with a great idea. Private businesses, sole traders or statutory organisations are not eligible.
Projects must demonstrate how the funding will be used to increase community resilience and enhance people’s lives in the respective area.
Projects must be purposeful and non-stigmatising.
Projects must apply the ABCD principles as set out above.
Applicants must be able to explain how the project will be sustainable into the future, once the project period has finished or what the legacy of the project will be if it is a one-off.
Projects must not duplicate existing services or activities.
This is a 12 months rolling programme, which may be extended and therefore there is no application deadline at this stage.
Process
The first step is to complete this form. The application form will be assessed within 4 weeks.
Applicant/s will then be invited to an informal meeting where we will give feedback, together assess the feasibility, scope and sustainability of your project and talk about how we can work in partnership. A decision will be made shortly after this meeting.
Cotswold District Council will only use your information for the purposes of this funding programme. The Council will not give information about you to anyone else, or use information about you for any other purpose, unless the law allows the Council to. For further privacy information see our Council Privacy Notice.
https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/support/privacy-and-data/general-information/
