[ParentsforPlay]

There is a new little funding pot available in my area (up to £5,000). I would like to apply for some sensory play equipment with it. However in the criteria one of the things it states the money cannot be used for is community businesses.

So I was thinking maybe I could apply as myself rather than 'Parents for Play' and put on some 'stay and play sessions' for free.

But could I then use the equipment in my centre in the future

Sarah

[boxby]

Originally Posted by ParentsforPlay

There is a new little funding pot available in my area (up to £5,000). I would like to apply for some sensory play equipment with it. However in the criteria one of the things it states the money cannot be used for is community businesses.

So I was thinking maybe I could apply as myself rather than 'Parents for Play' and put on some 'stay and play sessions' for free.

But could I then use the equipment in my centre in the future

Sarah

Conditions like this are a load ob b*****ks!!
Sorry to rant, but they are just silly & frustrating, and don't help anyone, and usually least help the people then intend to help.

Sorry, i'll get back in my box now

[ParentsforPlay]

Thanks.

I think if I say I will provide x amount of sessions and I do then I can then use the equipment as I like but could be wrong.

[boxby]

Originally Posted by ParentsforPlay

Thanks.

I think if I say I will provide x amount of sessions and I do then I can then use the equipment as I like but could be wrong.

Sorry, this one's a minefield so I can't offer any sensible suggestions, only a bit of support and understanding!!

[frockery]

If it is open to individuals to apply and account for the grant, you should be OK, but probably best to double check the detailed criteria with the funding body.

I agree with Sandra that jobsworth and politically correct conditions can effectively prevent good projects from getting off the ground. :sad1:

[Indizine]

Sarah,

Funding for social/community enterprise is dealt with separately to private commercial businesses hence the criteria, but you will no doubt have to provide a business plan to show your private business would be viable and sustainable.

You will have to show it is not running off the back of, or being supported by, the community enterprise however Im thinking if you run both as part time separate businesses, you could show you would rent the sensory equipment to the social enterprise at a reduced rate perhaps.

It is possible (having been someone who has signed off hundreds and hundreds of funding apps) but you will have to apply as if this private business is a full and proper one, rather than just a way around getting the money for the community enterprise. Im not saying thats what you would do, but you have to write a business plan/funding application through the eyes of the panel of approvers who are people very experienced with business plans and businesses. You just know when you read it, whether its a go'er or not.

So if you would like me to review your application/business plan when it done, I would be happy to give you any pointers.

TBH what also I find is that some funders are more relaxed than others, some are keen to meet targets and give it away without too mnay questions, others have a stricter application process and criteria to stick to because they can get the money clawed back from them when they are audited, if they are found to have not stuck to the criteria.

I have run programmes of both type so all I can recommend is that you work with the funding contractors, asking them about criteria for approval, best ways to fit within that, etc. then you are morel likely to be successful as their job is only to award it to those meeting the funding criteria, its not personal judgement. Let me know if I can be of any help.

[ParentsforPlay]

Thanks for that. It's not a particularly strict fund just a local communty one. It's basically money that local businesses, housing associations and the council have put in together. There have also been some 'in kind' offers as well such as stage time at the local theatre, football coaching at Oldham Athletic etc.

I've already applied as part of tenants group (you can apply as many times as you like as lon as its for different groups/projects for a trip for our local children to meet and have a day out with children from another local estate and we have been successful with that one.

I think you are right I should just discuss it with them.

Thanks for your offer of checking over the application for me. I will definatly take you up on that!

Sarah

[ParentsforPlay]

Right, I am ok to go ahead.

The things I am putting into the bid are:

Play equipment
Room hire
Insurance
Advertising/promotion
volunteers expenses
Refreshments

Can anyone think of anything I've missed

Sarah

[Fuzzy]

I would go for it regardless

[ParentsforPlay]

I got the funding!!! Am soooo happy

Sarah