• What we fund
• What we do not fund
• South Yorkshire Wide

What we fund

• Support people in greatest need
• Are locally led and run
• Involve people who face particular discrimination or disadvantage e.g. Young People, People with disabilities or facing mental health issues, Black and Minority Ethnic communities etc.
• Respond to local communities' needs
• Work well with other local community initiatives
• Are innovative
• Will benefit from relatively small amounts of funding
• Give real value for money

What we do not fund

• Groups that have substantial unrestricted funds
• National charities
• Activities promoting political or religious beliefs or where people are excluded on political or religious grounds
• Statutory bodies e.g. schools, local councils, colleges
• Projects outside of South Yorkshire
• Endowments
• Small contributions to large projects
• Projects for personal profit
• Minibuses or other vehicle purchases
• Projects that have already happened
• Animals
• Sponsorship and fundraising events

South Yorkshire Wide

Local Network Fund for Children and Young People

**The fund is now closed and we cannot accept any new applications. If you wish to discuss any elements of this process, please contact the Grants Team on 0114 242 4294**

The Local Network Fund is part of a national programme from the Children and Young People's Unit. South Yorkshire Community Foundation has over £900,000 to distribute to local community groups across South Yorkshire that are aiming to make a difference to the lives of children and young people. Grants of between £250 and £7,000 are available for projects that meet one of the five themes:

Being Healthy

Activities that promote a healthy lifestyle so that children and young people are able to enjoy good health (e.g. sports sessions, healthy eating classes, peer support programmes on drug misuse).

Staying safe

Activities that contribute to children and young people being protected from harm and neglect and growing up able to look after themselves (e.g. anti bullying projects, safe cycling groups, after school clubs, self defence groups).

Enjoying and achieving

Activities that help children and young people maximise their potential and develop skills for adulthood (e.g. theatre arts groups, self advocacy skills programmes, culteral dance and music projects).

Making a positive contribution

Activities that enable children and young people to use their skills and abilities in ways to enhance their own lives and the lives of their community (e.g. conservation schemes, recycling programmes, mentoring projects).

Achieving economic well being

Activities that help children and young people overcome income barriers and achieve their full potential in life (e.g. preparation for work and training, financial literacy classes for young people).

Children and young people's voices

The Fund encourages projects under all of the five outcomes that allow children and young people to express their opinions and contribute to improving policies and services on issues that concern them.

Applications for the Local Network Fund are only available from the national call centre: 0845 113 0161 but if you would like to discuss your idea or would like some help to apply please call to us on 0114 242 4294.

In 2000 the Community Foundation Network was awarded the national contract to administer the Local Network Fund (LNF).  Since then our Foundation has delivered over £5 million to children and young people’s projects in South Yorkshire.  Since its inception, LNF has supported over 21,000 projects nationwide, involving over 130,000 volunteers, and benefited over 1 million children and young people. It has helped to deliver the Every Child Matter outcomes of; being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being.

We are sad to have to report that we have now received confirmation that our 2007/08 LNF contract will be the last we receive directly as the fund monies from then on are transferred to the jurisdiction of Children’s Trusts under Local Area Agreements.

Please note that this fund is coming to and end in March 2008 when all grants must be spent and monitored.

Community Champions

**The fund is now closed and we cannot accept any new applications. If you wish to discuss any elements of this process, please contact the Grants Team on 0114 242 4294**

The Community Champions fund is set up to support people who have ideas that could make a big difference to their community. Grants of up to £2,000 are available if you need support with gaining skills, passing on your experience or getting started on a project that will make a positive change in your community we may be able to support you.

This fund can support

Networking expenses (travel, phone calls and so on)

• Training costs (either accessing training or providing training)
• Other things which are needed to overcome barriers to community projects or help new ideas get off

This fund cannot support

• Activities for community groups (individuals only – call if you’re not sure)
• Running costs
• Activities run by established or statutory organisations
• Activities run by paid employees.

Community Champions funding is available across South Yorkshire in 2006/07, but there have been some changes in the application process. If you already have an application form, you should get in touch with Ben White on 0114 242 9004 to make sure that you have the correct form.

This fund comes to an end in March 2008. The deadline for submissions is November 16th, 2007. The last grants will be given in December. Get your application in now to avoid disappointment.

Small Grants Fund

Sport Relief was set up by Comic Relief and BBC Sport to use the

power and passion of sport to tackle poverty and disadvantage, both in the UK and in some of the world’s poorest countries.

In the UK, Sport Relief will fund work, which uses sport and exercise to

strengthen communities and provide opportunities for people who are excluded or disadvantaged. This may be through low income, rural or social isolation, age, disability, race, sexuality or gender.

Sport Relief is looking to support community groups who are using sport to: 

• Increase access to sport and exercise for people who face social exclusion and isolation;
• Help people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives to regain their confidence and self-esteem

Grants must have a sustained, beneficial impact on the lives of people who are excluded or disadvantaged. Priority is for small, locally based groups using sport as a means of addressing community needs.

We cannot support:

• individuals
• statutory organisations (such as schools)
• trips abroad
• purchase of mini buses or coaches
• building costs or access adaptations to buildings
• running costs for sports clubs, unless they can show that their activity is targeted at engaging with the community outside of the clubs normal activities
• to one off events, unless they have exceptional, demonstrable, lasting community benefit

How much can you apply for?

Grants range from £1000 to £10,000

How do you apply for a grant?

Applicants are required to complete a simple application form (which is available from the Foundation on 0114 242 4294) and provide the following

• A copy of accounts or a recent bank statement
• A copy of the group’s rules or constitution
• A budget for the project
• A child protection policy (if working with children under 16 years old)

Applications are assessed by a panel of independent volunteers, and may involve a visit to the group.