Support for community groups and organisations
With our help, a successful funding application means a much needed facelift for the village hall will help to attract new users.
Better facilities will means that more people will be attracted to the venue.
What was the challenge?
The village hall contacted Community First Yorkshire as they required support with their funding application to DEFRA for the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund. Their toilet facilities were extremely old, unpleasant to use and were putting people off from hiring the hall. The hall had poor acoustics, making it hard for people to hear and enjoy concerts and other activities in the hall and the entrance lobby was cramped and unwelcoming.
How did Community First Yorkshire help?
The development officer set up a Zoom call with one of the trustees to talk through the project and checked that all aspects of the project were eligible under this fund. They advised the group how to pull together the various strands of community consultation that had taken place over recent years, and agreed that their capital project was threefold:
- To update the very old toilet that is used for both disabled and male use, together with two cubicles for women. This involved a small extension to the building and roof, together with moving internal walls to create the space for a modern toilet facility
- To improve the entrance lobby to make the hall more welcoming
- To apply soundproofing materials in the hall, together with the necessary redecoration after the works are complete.
The development officer provided templates for a one-year cash flow forecast for the project and a two-year projected financial summary and explained how each template worked. She also explained the requirements of the application form and how best to complete it and sent feedback on the first draft, advising the group on how to improve the application and how to account for in-kind contributions.
Due to the input from Community First Yorkshire, Burton-in-Lonsdale Village Hall’s Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund application was accepted. They will receive over £19,000 from the fund to complete their project, which will mean a wider audience will hire the hall for new and longer duration events ie. all day events and family gatherings, together with lunch clubs and other social groups. The improved acoustics will enable people to hear speakers better and have an improved cultural experience when listening to concerts. Existing users will feel happier and more comfortable using the modern toilets and disabled toilet. This will result in the consequent social benefits of uniting the community, improving villagers’ mental health and wellbeing, improving creativity, reducing loneliness and combating isolation. There will be increased volunteering opportunities, which also provide the above social benefits.
“It has turned out right in the end and [we] appreciate the help. I am not an expert at writing grant applications so I appreciated the help. The application was quite mind-boggling so having support was helpful.”Burton-in-Lonsdale village hall trustee
What does the future look like?
The group are still looking for match funding. They needed £95k and have now raised £70k, including the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund and an Awards4All grant, which we also helped with. Once they have the remaining amount the improvement project will begin.
About the organisation
Burton-in-Lonsdale village hall is a community venue, providing a local space for local people to hire.
How we can help you
As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.
If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
Community Support North Yorkshire is funded by North Yorkshire County Council and NHS North Yorkshire.
Do you need help with:
- securing income for your organisation or project?
- turning your ideas of becoming a new community organisation into a reality?
- benefiting from greater security as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)?
- thinking about reviewing your organisation and planning ahead?
- understanding trustee’s legal roles and responsibilities?
- benefitting from a financial health check?
Our advisers can help. Call us today 01904 704177 or email communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk