Grants Panel
Trent & Dove recognises that the voluntary sector significantly contributes to the quality of life of people living and working in the areas where we provide homes. This contribution can be complementary or supplementary to our work and that of other community partner agencies.
These grants are designed to help, support, create and transform local communities. The panel, composed of twelve Trent & Dove tenants and independent community representatives, ensures a diverse range of perspectives in the decision-making process. They are supported by the Community Engagement team, who oversee the governance of the process. Successful applicants are required to submit both progress reports and a final report detailing the impact and outcomes of their initiatives.
Our Grants Panel welcomes applications for both parts from organisations and young people that contribute towards the achievement of our aims and objectives set out in Trent & Dove’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027.
The major themes of which are:
- Community engagement
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Environment
- Health and wellbeing
- Life-long learning opportunities.
Trent & Dove's Strategic Plan 2022-2027 underpins our Customer Voice Strategy, which includes providing investment and support to a grants fund, part of which is to:
- Support community projects with grants up to £2,000
- Award grants up to £250 to young people under 18, and up to £750 for individuals aged 18 to 25 who live locally.
- Provide lifelong learning grants up to £750 for individuals pursuing continuous education and skill development.
Community Project Grant
Up to £2000
This could be used to fund equipment, to help with rising utility costs or for development of community projects.
Lifelong Learning Grant
Up to £750
This grant could be used to seek out educational opportunities for all ages or cover the cost of supporting equipment.
Young Person's Grant
Up to £250 (u18's) and £750 (18-25)
This grant provides assistance towards gaining life experience or for development of community projects.
From June 2023 to February 2024, Trent & Dove distributed a total of £35,000 in grants across Staffordshire, benefiting various community-driven projects. These funds supported environmental initiatives, the creation of warm communal spaces, and activities tailored for children and youth groups. The grants aimed not only to enhance local environments but also fostered community engagement and enrichment, reflecting Trent & Dove's commitment to supporting community development.
Application deadline |
Grant Panel meeting |
Applicant informed of decision |
| 21st May 2024 | 11th June 2024 | 14th June 2024 |
| 20th August 2024 | 10th September 2024 | 13th September 2024 |
| 12th November 2024 | 3rd December 2024 | 6th December 2024 |
| 11th February 2025 | 4th March 2025 | 7th March 2025 |
If you'd like to apply or need more information about our Community Grants, please contact communityengagement@trentanddove.org
Listed below are the projects that secured funding from the years 2023 to 2024, demonstrating a diverse range of initiatives and their successful implementation during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Grant
I would like to secure funding for refreshments to keep running the warm space at our village hall. Can I apply for this funding?
Yes, you can apply for funding to provide refreshments for the warm space. Please outline your proposal, including the types of refreshments needed, estimated costs, and how they will enhance community engagement and support the initiative's goals.
I would like to update some tools used in our community garden and acquire shrubs for the garden. Can I apply for funding to support this project?
Yes, you can apply for funding to update tools and acquire shrubs for the community garden. Please provide details about the specific tools you intend to update, the types of shrubs you plan to acquire, and how these enhancements will benefit the garden and community.
Lifelong Learning Grant
What types of courses are eligible for the Lifelong Learning Grant?
The Lifelong Learning Grant covers a wide range of courses, including professional development, vocational training, certification programs, and other educational opportunities that contribute to your personal or professional growth.
I would like to apply for the grant to cover the cost of a food hygiene course. Can I apply for this funding?
Yes, you can submit an application, and the grant panel members will review it and make a decision.
What information do I need to provide in my application?
In your application, you should include details about the course you wish to take, its cost, how it will benefit your personal or professional development, and any other relevant information. A clear and compelling application increases your chances of receiving the grant.
Young Person's Grant
I am 15 and would like to organise a litter picking event with my school. Can I apply for the Young Person’s Grant?
Yes, you can apply for the Young Person’s Grant. To do so, please submit an application detailing your project. Include information about the event, such as the date, location, and number of participants.
Outline the goals of the litter picking event, how it will benefit the community, and any resources or materials you might need, such as gloves, bags, or safety vests.
Additionally, explain how you plan to promote the event and encourage participation from your peers. This comprehensive proposal will help the Grants Award Panel understand your project and its potential impact.
I am 16 and want to start a book club for teenagers in my area to promote reading and discussion. Can I apply for the Young Person’s Grant?
Yes, you can apply for the Young Person’s Grant to start a book club for teenagers. Your application should detail how the book club will be organized, meeting schedules, and the types of books you plan to read.
Grant Deadlines
What are the deadlines for applying?
Deadlines for the Grant applications vary throughout the year. Please check our website or contact our support team for the most up-to-date information on application deadlines.
How long does it take for the grant panel to make a decision?
The decision-making process can vary, but generally, it takes a few weeks from the submission deadline for the grant panel to review applications and notify applicants of their decision.
Reporting Requirements
Are there any reporting requirements after receiving the grant?
As a condition of our grants, we require brief progress reports until your grant is fully utilised. Deadlines for these reports will be communicated via email and must be adhered to until the grant is fully claimed. Finally, we also require a comprehensive final report upon project completion.
Funding
Not everyone who comes to our community project is a Trent & Dove customer. Can we still apply for a community grant?
Certainly! One of the criteria for the Community Grant is that the community project is located in an area which serves Trent & Dove customers.
Can funding be deposited into a personal account?
Unfortunately, we are unable to award funding into a personal account. You have the option to use a business account, or we can facilitate a direct payment to the supplier on your behalf.
Unsuccessful Applications
If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive feedback on the decision. You are encouraged to reapply in the future with additional information or for a different course.
