Local Action in Cornwall

Small Grants for Business and Social Enterprise

The Group particularly welcomes project proposals and grant applications from micro enterprises (must be less than 10 employees) for smaller amounts the Small Grants for Business may be suitable.  Please read the guidance about the scheme or give us a call. 

Small Community Projects

The West Cornwall Local Action Group has set up a Small Community Projects grant scheme.  This aims to support community initiatives identified in the community plans within the Local Action area.

Click here to down load the guidance leaflet.

Projects should meet the objectives of the West Cornwall Local Action Group:

• To stimulate rural innovation and access to the environment.
• To encourage the provision of workspace and build enterprise in rural areas.
• To improve quality of life and access to learning opportunities.
• To derive sustainable socio-economic benefits from rural tourism activities.

The Local Action Group will consider applications which deliver the community plans in the West Cornwall area.  The Group has made it clear that priority is given to projects in the Lands End Area Forum Action Plan and the South Kerrier Alliance Action Plan.  The scheme may fund projects up to 90% of their costs with some local contribution.  In unusual and exceptional cases grant of up to 100% of costs may be made.

The streamlined grant application process is as follows:-

1. Make your enquiry about grants for your project direct to the Local Action Manager.  This interview will check what you want to buy, all about your group and about the project to assess whether it is eligible for the scheme.
2. If the project and organisation are eligible then you will be sent an application form to fill in.  (If you have any queries on the form please contact the Local Action Manager.  Please check the application guidance notes.)
    
3. The Small Grant Panel meets each month to consider and take decisions on the grant for each project.  The decision will be sent to you.  

 This is a competitive process and there is a limited fund for this scheme.

Small Community Projects – Grant Criteria

Maximum Grant Amount  £15,000
Maximum Project Cost   £30,000

Project Period
Projects must start within 6 months of receiving their grant offer otherwise it will be withdrawn back to the fund.

Projects should be identified in the community plans and must show evidence of current positive support from the community.

% Grant rate
Maximum of 90% but up to 100% might be considered in exceptional cases. You are advised to look for match funding from your own funds or other sources.

Eligible activities can include
Small scale capital investment.
Capacity building, technical support.
Establishing a new basic service.

Small scale capital and revenue to effect village renewal.
Marketing support.
Bespoke training intrinsic to project.

Environmental/heritage audits and action plans.
Small scale infrastructure improvement.
Research or other studies.
Interpretation and materials.

Non-eligible activities   
Grant aid is not available for continuation funding for existing activities, statutory services, work to meet a statutory requirement or Health and Safety legislation unless part of a construction project, general motor vehicles, and work undertaken before a grant is approved by the Local Action Group. (If you are unsure if all your costs are eligible, discuss this with the Local Action Group Manager prior to submitting your application form).

For 2010 the applications need to be in at the beginning of the month for a decision before the end of the month.  The date for the remainder of 2010 are 4 November, 25 November.