South Staffordshire Partnership Community Nutrition Programme – Food Co-Operatives

APPLICATION PACKWhat is it for?This fund is to develop local community food co-operatives to provide local people with access to low cost perishable foods to support the consumption of a more balanced and varied diet.

To improve the health and wellbeing of children, families and adults living on low income through provision of food co-operatives in deprived communities. The food co-operative aims to provide access to low cost healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables and enhance knowledge and awareness about healthy eating. The food co-operatives run by a network of local volunteers providing these people with skill and training development opportunities. The creation of food co-operatives is also a physical asset for community and as such provides a place for people to socialise helping to reduce loneliness, social isolation and build social capital amongst people

How?The intention is to support existing food co – ops to supply perishable foods such as cheese, milk and meat/fish at a low cost.

Project BeneficiariesOlder people, vulnerable adults, lone parents, unemployed adults and low income families.

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Who can apply? Any formal constituted not-for-profit community group based in South

Staffordshire District.

Any Parish Council in South Staffordshire District.

Locally based Community Enterprises and Charities.

Private sector businesses

Public sector organisations

How much can you apply for?Up to £3,000 is available for the development of food co operatives – Costs include purchasing / equipment / food / food safety training.

Match funding is not a requirement of this scheme and you can apply for 100% of the cost of your project or activity however any contributions you can make will strengthen your application. Contributions “in kind” (e.g. volunteer time or hall use given free of charge) can be counted towards your contribution. Please base general volunteer costs on £6 per hour per volunteer.

What can be funded?Any activity, project or event which is for the benefit of the community. This can include capital and/or revenue based costs (paid staffing costs cannot be included as they are not sustainable in the long-term).

Groups wishing to purchase equipment must demonstrate in their application how they plan to use the equipment in future activities which are of benefit to the community of South Staffordshire

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What cannot be funded? Routine running costs of a group or organisation, for example rent or

stationery as part of the normal day-day business of the organisation. However, running costs specific to the project (except for staffing) for which funding is being requested can be considered.

Contributions towards the cost of on-going activities.

Any school curriculum based activity.

Any projects for the sole benefit of individuals

Events or activities the principle aim of which is to fundraise for another organisation.

Political or religious activities or events (although secular activities promoted by faith based groups are welcome e.g. mums & toddlers group or community café).

Projects that are being administered through a third party.

Activities or events which have happened prior to receiving notification of an award. Applications cannot be made in retrospect proof of purchase/booking will be required in the evaluation.

What factors will be considered when assessing your application?

The group/organisations past history and involvement in the area they are based. This could include their level of commitment, experience, talent and interest, any contributions towards the development of that activity in their area etc. (max 20pts)

How the activity will benefit the local community and improve health, independence and wellbeing. (max 30pts)

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Improved access to healthy food and improved healthy dietary behaviours in identified wards in South Staffordshire. (max 30pts)

The sustainability of the project/activity. (max 30pts)

How the group’s projects will reduce social isolation and increase social networks. (Max 25 Points

How the group are linking with other activities or events taking place for similar purposes (if appropriate). (max 10pts)

How the award will assist the groups future development and potential. (max 20pts)

How the award will assist with the training and involvement of volunteers. (max 20pts)

How the group are using local resources e.g. suppliers or traders. (max 5pts)

How the group is getting value for money. (max 5pts)

Whether the group has secured any match funding. (max 5pts)

Essential criteriaAll applications must demonstrate the following:

They have the ability to deliver the project through sound financial planning and project management.

The activity or event promotes good equal opportunities practice.

The grant aid must be spent in accordance with the purposes for which it was approved. Any changes to the project/event should be agreed with The South Staffordshire Partnership.

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Any profits arising from fund-raising activities (e.g. raffle or ticket sales) at the event must be retained for the benefit of the local area in which the activity occurs.

If your project requires planning permission, this must be obtained prior to applying to the Community Nutrition Programme.

The South Staffordshire Partnership reserves the right to award a grant lower than that for which the application has been made.

If you are successful in your application you will be invited to attend a pre grant meeting. One of the areas covered will be performance management and inputting data onto the Upshot performance management system

Successful groups must deliver their project/activity/event within 12 months of being awarded a grant unless otherwise stated.

Successful applications must issue press releases upon receipt of this grant, and again upon completion of the project/activity/event. All press releases must be cleared through The South Staffordshire Partnership prior to release.

The South Staffordshire Partnership logo and any other relevant partner logos must be included on all publicity material relating to the event or project (press releases, brochures, posters etc.).

Successful Groups/Organisations must serve all appropriate licences and insurances.

Successful Groups/Organisations must ensure that Disclosure and Barring Service Checks (previously CRB Enhanced Disclosure Checks) are carried out on all adults having direct supervisory contact with any children under the age of 18 or vulnerable adults through the project.

Successful Groups/Organisations will receive 85% of the awarded grant in the first instance. The remaining 15% will be retained until a satisfactory completed Evaluation Report is received.

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If the group disbands/breaks up any equipment purchased through the Grant Aid Scheme will become the property of The South Staffordshire Partnership.

All groups/organisations should be aware that their project/activity may be audited after completion.

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Hints and Tips on completing your application:

Talk through your project or idea with us before writing your application. We will be able to advise you on what information you might want to include with your application. You might also wish to talk to Support Staffordshire, who can advise you on all aspects of running your group, from developing constitutions and setting up committee, through to developing project plans and funding applications. Telephone: 01902 851675.

Get someone else to double-check through your application – particularly your finances! This is particularly important to ensure you have included all of the information you have to include or wish to be considered. Any incomplete applications will be rejected and returned to you and will be able to be reconsidered until the following funding round.

Applicants known to the panel will not receive preferential treatment. All applications will be scored using a set scoring matrix and criteria –your application can only be assessed on the information provided in your application. If you don’t mention it or provide evidence of it, we don’t know it!

Check through the criteria. Do you meet all of the essential criteria? Does your application include a response about everything that will be considered when assessing your application?

Applications which have the best chance of success look at sustainability and how the project will make a difference to the community.

Is your project needed or wanted? Is there a similar activity already taking place in your area, could you work with anyone else on your project? Do you have the support of local elected members?

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Volunteers can play an important part of any project, especially when you’re looking at sustaining the project/activity long term. Include as much information as you can about volunteers.

When considering the cost of your project, don’t forget to include “in-kind” contributions – the real cost of delivering your project. If you had to pay people to design posters, deliver leaflets, carry out consultation, or if you had to pay to hire a venue – how much would it cost you? This all adds up to your “match contribution” and although it isn’t essential, it is a consideration and you have to consider that your application will be “judged” against other applications.

When completing the budget section, make sure you have read what is needed in each column and for each section.

Include EVERYTHING you need for the project, even if you are not asking us to fund it.

“In-kind” contributions should be listed as both EXPENDITURE and INCOME – think of it as paying for services without actually exchanging cash.

The amount of income you are able to contribute (including in-kind contributions) PLUS the amount you are requesting from us should EQUAL the total cost of your project.

Grant application process:The Grant Panel will meet the end of April 2014 to assess applications. Applications must be submitted by the 18th April 2014

While the Grant Panel will assess your application and make recommendations, the final decision will be the responsibility of the Locality Commissioning Partnership and the fund holder of the project

You will receive a letter confirming receipt of your application and your Grant Application Reference number.

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You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your application within 4 weeks of the deadline date.

If your application is successful, this letter will also include a Grant Acceptance Form and BACS Transform Form, both of which must be completed and returned to South Staffordshire Council in order that your grant payment can be processed.

An Evaluation Form will also be sent to you. This must be completed after the project or event has happened and returned to South Staffordshire Council in order for the second grant payment to be processed.

If your application is unsuccessful, your letter will give the reason for rejection. You are encouraged to contact the Policy and Partnership Team at South Staffordshire Council for further advice and support on how to successfully secure future funding.

Community Nutrition Programme Food Co OperativesApplication FormIt is important that you work through this checklist before you start completing the Community Nutrition application form. This checklist has been designed to help you decide if the Community Nutrition Programme is right for your project or organisation, before you go to the time and expense of submitting an application. The checklist also helps us as it reduces the number of ineligible applications we need to process.

Part One – You must be able to answer yes to one of the options in Part One to apply.

Is your application for:

A project which is part of your normal work (this includes Yes / No

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regular and repeat activities) unless it is more than two years since those activities or events have taken place, or they have been developed, for example they are to be run with new beneficiary types or in a new area?Ongoing staff costs (salaries)? Yes / NoActivities that will happen or start before we confirm our grant (which for successful applications is normally about 2 months from the deadline date)?

Yes / No

Any cost you incur when putting together your application? Yes / NoDay to day running costs of your organisation (for example, utility bills, council tax, rent or insurance)?

Yes / No

Land or building projects where the ownership or lease it not yet in place?

Yes / No

Fundraising activities for your organisation or others? Yes / NoItems that mainly benefit individuals (for example, equipment that is not shared)?

Yes / No

Items that are purchased on behalf of another organisation?

Yes / No

Loans or interest payments? Yes / No

Endowments (to provide a source of income)? Yes / No

Political or religious activities? Yes / No

A project that cannot be completed within 12 months of receiving a grant?

Yes / No

The purchase of alcohol? Yes / NoRoutine repairs or maintenance? Yes / NoUsed Vehicles? Yes / No

VAT that you can recover? Yes / No

If you answered yes to any of the above, we may not be able to fund your project. Please check our guidance notes for further information or contact us for advice.

Please ensure that you have read all the funding criteria and additional guidance notes before completing this form.

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Please complete all sections to ensure that your application can be considered.

About your group1. Name of group or organisation

2. Which village is your group based in?

3. What area does it serve?

4. Contact Name

5. Contact number

6. Contact address

7. Email

8. Organisation Type: Not for profit organisation

Private Business

Other – please specify:

9. How many people are involved in the management of your group/ organisation? Under 25’s Male Female 25-50 yrs Male FemaleOver 50’s Male Female10. Tell us a little bit about your group. When was it formed, what type of activities are you involved with?

11. Is your group registered on The Good Life website

YES11

NO

If no, visit http://www.southstaffordshire.thegoodlife.uk.net/ to register.

About your project12 Project title / Name

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13. In which locality and village does your project take place? Please use locality map on the back of this form

14. Have you discussed your project with local elected members and/ or agencies YES / NO

If yes, please state who/ which agencies. If no, why not?

15. When will your project take place?

16. Is your start date: Fixed Flexible

17. How will you promote and publicise your project? (150 words only)

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18. How will your project actively seek to involve as wide a range of people as possible? (150 words only)

19. Does your project involve work on land or a building? YES / NO

(You MUST own the freehold of the land or building, or hold a lease that cannot be brought to an end by the landlord for at least five years)

If yes, you must answer both a) and b) below

A) Does your organisation: (please tick which one applies)

Own the freehold of the land or building? OR

Hold a lease of at least five years that cannot be ended by the landlord

Is planning permission needed for your project (please tick which one applies).

Planning permission is not required

OR

Planning permission is required and has been granted

How will your project make a differenceThere are data profiles for each locality available that you may find useful when evidencing how your project will make a difference. Visit the South Staffordshire Partnership website for more information (click on the Localities tab)

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http://lsp.sstaffs.gov.uk

Other data that you may have collected yourselves from your own research is also acceptable as supporting evidence. 20. Tell us about your organisation - Past history and involvement in the area ? (please provide evidence) (200 words only) Evidence can be in written, audio or video format

21. How will your project benefit your local community and improve health, independence and wellbeing? (200 words only)

22. How your project will improve access to healthy food , improved healthy dietary behaviours and reduce social isolation ( 200 words only )

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23. Do you require any existing volunteers working on this project? Will the volunteers require any additional development to work on this project or do you need to recruit additional volunteers?

24. How do you intend to ensure your project becomes sustainable? Have you secured match funding , are you getting value for money , Are you using local resources and how are you linking into other activities and events taking place for similar purposes (200 words only)

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25. Are you planning to evaluate your project? If so, how? This can be in a written, audio or video format.

26. Any other information you wish to include in support of your project:

The Finances 27. Where have you applied for funding for this project? Please list with amount applied for and whether you have been successful.

Name of funder Amount applied for

Amount confirmed

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28. How much will your project cost?

Please provide a full breakdown e.g. equipment, installations etc

Provide three quotations for each item/activity

If you can claim back VAT please exclude from the figures given below.

Please include everything you need for the project, even if you are asking us to fund it. Give the total cost of each item or activity in column A, and put how much you want from us in column B. It is acceptable to put £0 in column B. In kind contributions should be listed a both a COST and INCOME.

IF you want us to fund all of your project costs the figures in column A and column B will be the same.

Item or Activity ATotal Cost

BAmount Requested from South Staffordshire Community Budget

£££££

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££££

Total Project Expenditure £29. How much are you able to contribute to your project?

Please include details of any sources of funding for this project, including any contributions from your group (in-kind and cash), and any funding applications you have submitted.

Please state whether the funding has been confirmed (C ) or is provisional (P).

30. How much are you able to contribute to your project?

Please include details of any sources of funding for this project, including any contributions from your group (in-kind and cash), and any funding applications you have submitted.

Please state whether the funding has been confirmed (C ) or is provisional (P).

Funding Source P / C Amount£££££

Total Project Income (Confirmed) £Total Project Income (Provisional) £Total Project Income £

Supporting Information

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Please tick to confirm you have enclosed all the following documentation as failure to do so may lead to a delay in your application being considered.

Written quotes including the company/supplier(s) you are going to use

Latest audited accounts, annual report or income/expenditure budget for current financial year

Terms or reference/ constitution/ group rules

Evidence of ownership/ lease of buildings and/ or land (if relevant)Evidence of planning consent (if relevant)Project plan and cash flow forecastCompleted Equal Opportunities Monitoring form

Declaration (on behalf of organisation or group)

I can confirm that

I have read the funding criteriaThe information on this form is correctAny award received will be spent on this activities specifiedIf an award is received. I will complete and return an evaluation sheet along with supporting photos or video footage. Planning permission granted (please state date);

That acknowledgement will be given of South Staffordshire Councils support in any publicity, printed or website material.I give permission for press and media coverage by South Staffordshire

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Council in relation to this project. That all press releases issued by us will be cleared through South Staffordshire CouncilThat the necessary policies and procedures will be in place prior to the commencement of the project outlined in this application

Please tick which policies are relevant

Child protection which meets Working Together Guidelines (please attach copies)Vulnerable adults which meets Working Together Guidelines (please attach copies)Public liability insurance

Access Audit

Equal opportunities

Environmental impact

Signed ………………………………………………………………. Date………………………….

Print Name

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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Position within the organisation ……………………………………………………………………

Please return your completed application to:

Post:

Policy and Partnerships

South Staffordshire Council

Wolverhampton Road

Codsall, South Staffordshire, WV8 1PX

Email:

localities@sstaffs.gov.uk

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Community Nutrition – Food Co OpsContract Cost £3000 Food CO OPSKey Outcomes Process Measures and Outputs

Increased local volunteering opportunities, training and skills development.

Improved health , independence and wellbeing

Improved access to healthy food

Improved knowledge of a healthy balanced and varied diet.

Improved perception of reduced loneliness / social isolation, greater social capital and independence.

Work with existing Food CO Ops Identify existing food Co Ops and

develop relationships Aim to develop Food Co Ops in

areas of most need

General principles

Role and function is about Development , Coordination, Promotion and Delivery

Performance management such as a data progress reports to Public Health coordinated by the South Staffordshire Partnership however expectation that grant holder will work with the Partnership to ensure all information is up to date and submitted on time on the Upshot performance management system.

Printing and graphic support to come from the District Council with cost for this incurred by the District Council

Promotional material will be provided by the print room services at South Staffordshire Council.

Quarterly performance management meetings to take place. Information on all areas of work to go on the Good Life website

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