Frequently asked questions

What do you mean by a grassroots group or project?

• The Trust considers an organisation that is working at a grassroots level to have strong links with and a good understanding of the communities it seeks to serve. It will have consulted with them about the need for the project being applied for. Groups working with a particular community should have representation of this group at a board, staff or volunteer level. The potential beneficiaries of a grassroots project should be involved in the planning and evaluation of activities.

Will you fund projects outside of the West Midlands?

• Certain areas of the West Midlands (Birmingham and the Black Country – Wolverhampton, Dudley, West Bromwich, Smethwick and Sandwell) remain a high priority for the Trust. Availability of funds will always dictate what grants we are able to make but we ensure that a significant portion of our funding is spent in these areas. Please refer to the specific programme under which you are applying for details of what and where we will fund.

What is the average size grant you award and what is the maximum award you make?

• There is no average grant size. The Trust looks at proposals on a case by case basis, assessing whether a budget is realistic depending on the size and scope of the project. The maximum you can apply for is £50,000 per year over two years (a total of £100,000), but we are likely to make very few grants of this size to grassroots groups. A more usual grant is £15,000 – £50,000 in total.

Are you prepared to make a contribution towards the costs of larger projects?

• Yes, but please make it clear in your initial proposal whether you want us to fund the whole project or be part of match funding. Please also tell us whether you have secured other funding already. If you have not, we may still consider your application but a final grant may be dependent on you securing all the funding.

How many grants do you make each year?

• We expect to make approximately 30 – 40 grants of varying sizes throughout the year. We try to spread our grants across the financial year.

How long will my application take to process?

• If we are not able to support your proposal, we will let you know within one month of you sending it to us. It can take three to six months for proposals that the Trust wishes to take forward to be assessed and presented to Trustees, but we will be in touch with you during this period. Grants are approved by Trustees at quarterly meetings throughout the year.

Do you ever award core costs (overheads)?

• We will consider funding core costs, but the amount you apply for should reflect the amount of funding you are applying for compared to the total budget of your organisation. You must explain what costs you are applying for in your application, and must be able to explain how you have arrived at your figures.

Do you use the full cost recovery model?

• Your budget can include an element of organisational costs. If your proposal passes the initial assessment we will work with you to understand what the full cost of the delivery of project will be, including a percentage of the overhead costs for the organisation.

Does my organisation have to be a registered charity to apply?

• You do not have to be a registered charity, but we will expect you to have a formal structure, governing documents and a management committee with at least three unrelated members. Before any grant can be awarded you will need to have a bank account in the name of your organisation.

Can I talk to someone about my project before I submit a proposal?

• We would be happy to talk to you about your project before you spend time writing a proposal. Please contact the Grants and Outreach Team on 020 7632 9068.