Office of the Third Sector Small Grants Programme update

Urban Forum met recently with the civil servant responsible for developing the programme. Although much of the detail is still to be agreed, certain working assumptions have been determined.
 
The £80m, as announced in the Budget, will be spread over four years. Since much of the current year will be taken up on developing the programme, approximately £6m will be allocated in 2007-08 with a further £25m (approx) in subsequent years. The size of grants offered is likely to be between £500 and £5,000. The programme is likely to be quite open – both for the purpose used and who it goes to, though it is targeted at community groups (in this respect it will be similar to Awards For All). No decision has been taken on the geographical spread of the programme – for example whether to have an open pot for the whole country, weight it to areas of deprivation, or concentrate on particular localities. Consideration is also being given to support for communities of interest and particular schemes to support specific groups that are under-represented has not been ruled out.
 
OTS will be seeking a national partner to manage the overall programme and establish local mechanisms for delivery. Although Community Foundations have been publicly mentioned in relation to the programme, there is a recognition that no single body or structure is likely to be appropriate in all areas. OTS are keen to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and keeping overheads to a minimum to ensure most of the money is distributed to local groups. This makes it likely that local delivery will be through an existing grant-making body. Urban Forum pointed to a range of possible bodies that have experience of grant making including; Community Foundations, Community Empowerment Networks, grant making charities (Unltd, Scarman Trust, Youth Bank).
 
An update on progress will be posted on the OTS website at the end of May – see www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/ - and we will update you on developments as things progress. Urban Forum will continue to work with OTS on the proposals and we are keen to hear from members any thoughts or ideas they have. Please get in touch with Urban Forum with any examples from your area of how small grants are effectively delivered or ideas you have for the programme. You can email toby@urbanforum.org.uk or call 020 7253 4816. 
 
Timetable (guide only)

• Draft proposals produced – May 2007
• Update on proposals on OTS website – end May 2007
• Event with stakeholders to discuss proposals – June 2007
• Selection of national delivery partner – June-Sept 2007