Background
The Big Local programme is a £200 million investment by the Big Lottery Fund to support 150 neighbourhoods in England to make their area more resilient, confident and a good place to live. The programme is managed by Local Trust, an independent organisation that supports communities in each neighbourhood to develop their skills and confidence to identify what matters most to them and to take action to change things for the better, now and in the future. This community and resident led approach to improving neighbourhoods aims to build on the opportunities and assets within each community to create lasting long term solutions and make best use of the scarce resources that are available.
Each Big Local area has been awarded £1 million to be spent over a period of up to 10 years to bring about the long term sustainable changes that are important to their local community. For more information about Local Trust go to www.localtrust.org.uk
The Beechwood, Ballantyne and Bidston Village Big Local is part of the Birkenhead constituency or Wirral and is home to 4,120 people. With support from Local Trust, residents carried out wide scale consultation with the local community to identify the changes that local people want to see happen in the area. The Beechwood, Ballantyne and Bidston Village Big Local Partnership is the resident led body responsible for managing the Big Local Programme and, based on the views of the local community, developed a vision for the area and identified the priorities for change.
What is the focus of the funding?
The Beechwood, Ballantyne and Bidston Village Big Local Partnership is looking to commission a financial advice service specifically for residents in those areas. The project must focus on financial awareness and should include elements such as benefit eligibility advice, support with claims as well as money management.
The service provider would be expected to focus support for residents who may not already have access to a financial advice service from a social housing provider i.e. homeowners or private rented sector tenants however, they should work closely with local housing providers such as Onward Housing, Plus Dane, Magenta etc. to ensure relevant signposting and referral pathways are put in place.
How much is available?
Funding of £15,000 to be spent by 1st March 2022 is available.
Who can apply:
Registered charities and constituted community groups. Your organisation does not have to be based in the above areas but all beneficiaries from the funding use must be.
What sort of things will the fund cover?
The exact model of the project and delivery is open for applicants to present in their application, as long as it meets the key expectations below.
Key expectations:
The following points must be met in the application
- The service is focused on resolving problems with debt and welfare rights, ensuring that correct entitlements and available support are maximised
- This funding must be used solely to support residents of Beechwood, Ballantyne and Bidston Village Big Local area in Wirral.
- Delivery of services will continue to March 2022 and funding awarded will be allocated over staged payments.
- The project must be able to demonstrate impact and learning through both data collection and the ability to share stories through case studies (anonymously if required)
- An agreed referral pathway can be agreed with local housing providers where relevant
- Signposting for those who need additional support or specialist help. E.g. mental health and emotional support
The Closing date is: Thursday 12th November at 5pm
How to Apply:
Please go to www.cfmerseyside.org.uk and complete the Big Local Beechwood, Ballantyne and Bidston Village grant application form. Any queries can be sent to applications@cflm.email or you can contact us on 0330 440 4900.
Documents which need to be included sent with your application:
Notes
A) This is not an offer to enter into an agreement with you. It is a request to receive proposals from organisations that are interested in delivering this project.
B) Beechwood, Ballantyne and Bidston Village Big Local Partnership reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to accept or reject any application and does not bind itself to accept the lowest price or any application. It or Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by bidders in preparing and submitting an application.
C) Applications will be evaluated against the criteria set out in the Key Expectations, responses to questions in the application and the budgets provided.
D) The preferred bidder(s) will adhere to any specific conditions set out in an offer of funding and our standard Terms and Conditions available here https://cfmerseyside.org.uk/apply/standard-grant-conditions
