Champion grants scheme

4. What the grants will fund

Champion grants can be used to fund different projects or activities in the community which support the work and aims of the county council's Champions.

Projects must fit in with our corporate priorities (pdf), particularly 'caring for the vulnerable' and 'protecting the environment'.

Examples of what Champion grants can fund:

• Provision of equipment, such as sports equipment, play equipment and computer hardware
• Funding towards costs of community events/activities such as: advertising and publicity, equipment, materials, and transport
• Repair or refurbishment of equipment or property which will benefit the community
• Activities to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable or isolated people, such as outings, clubs, health and fitness

Champion grants can't fund:

• "Core funding" such as staffing/salary costs or office rental expenses
• Political and religious activity (as set out in our VCFS compact), although political and religious groups may apply for funding for community activities
• Research
• Projects or activities that run contrary to county council policies or are unlawful

Grants cannot be awarded retrospectively.

Even if your project meets the above criteria, your organisation may not be awarded a grant. The decision on whether to approve the funding will be made by the Champion and the Director of Law and Governance.