A new SMPC Grants Policy brings the opportunity for local clubs and group initiatives to apply for small grants to support activities which will be beneficial to the parish of Steeple Morden, for example, equipment for a sports club, for a music festival or towards community celebrations, etc.
Each year the Parish Council will consider allocating some funds for Community project support and when possible, embed this within the forthcoming annual budget. For the 2025-2026 budget year a figure of £2,000 has been put aside for this.
Whenever funding has been put aside, there will be a ‘call for proposals’ announced along with an associated time window for applications to be made. For the 2025-2026 budget year the application window is now open and will close at the end of October 2025.
A standard Community Grant Application Form must be used to apply for a grant.
Any grant awarded will likely be conditional. Conditions might be with regard to the nature of the spend, restrictions on what the grant can and cannot be used for, the timing of the spend, and similar. Unused money will be required to be returned. Conditions will be set out in any Award Confirmation Letter.
Recipients of awards will be required to keep the Parish Council updated on progress and provide a short written report to show the impact and benefit arising from the money awarded, within 12 months of the award.