Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director (Housing and Communities) which provides details of the applications which have been received for Small Community Grants.

Report of the Executive Director (Housing and Communities) setting out the ten applications that had been received for Small Community Grants.  The report noted that the Small Community Grants were limited to a maximum of £2,000 per application.

 

There was £39,000 in total available during the financial year 2017/18 to be awarded through the Small Community Grants, of which £8,000 had already been awarded this financial year.

 

The following applications were considered:

 

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force

 

An application had been received for £2,000 for purchase of needed equipment and supplies for lessons and activities.

 

Members felt that this was a really good project for the youth and commented that by contributing they would be helping keep youth active.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000

 

Bushin Mixed Martial Arts

 

An application had been received for £900 for upgrade of safety – replace gloves and new focus protective pads.

 

Members commented that health and safety was paramount for everyone and therefore supported the application.

 

AGREED a grant of £900.

 

Fairlife Foundation

 

An application had been received for £2,000 for materials for schools and on living wage payments.

 

Members felt that the application was not something that is part of the school curriculum and therefore it would be best if the Charity approached the County Council as the Educational Authority for such funding.

 

After further consideration it was agreed that the Board could not support this application.

 

REFUSED the application.

 

Friends of Countess Ann School

 

An application had been received for £3,000 for building a wooden structure/outdoor classroom for teachers as outdoor learning, selling refreshments at events and to be used by children at lunch-times and could also be used during any public events.

 

Members commented that the application was more fitting for County Council and/or Awards for All.  There was also the Herts Community Fund, which the organisation could consider.

 

REFUSED the application.

 

Interfaith Group

 

An application had been received for £2,000 for estimated project administration, publicity and transport costs.

 

Members supported the application as it contributed to the teaching of different faiths to gain an understanding of the various beliefs and their spiritual identifications.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000

 

Lemsford Football Club

 

An application had been received for £800 for courses, outdoor equipment and various items for training.

 

Members were supportive of the Club.

 

AGREED a grant of £800

 

Panshanger PTA

 

An application had been received for £2,000 towards the cost of running the swimming pool, including lifeguards, chemicals, heating, water, fees, insurance and related paperwork.

 

Members commented that the swimming pool was open to the community and provided a sporting facility for the public.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000

 

Paradign Housing The Foyer

 

An application had been received for £2,000 for new furniture, paint carpets and general decorating.  Also wiring in accordance with the new plans designed by the University students.

 

Members were keen to support this application as it provided exceptional support for the youth and especially the disadvantaged youngsters.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000

 

The Red Balloon Family Foundation

 

An application has been received for £2,000 towards setting up of the MiLife project pilot within the Borough.

 

Members supported the application as it provided support for the stigma attached to mental health and the work being done at workshops around the local areas with schools.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000

 

 

Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield Foodbank

 

An application had been received for £2,000 towards the purchase of food only.

 

Members commented that food banks were now under pressure due to the number of people visiting them to support their families.

 

AGREED a grant of £2,000

 

RESOLVED that grants should be paid as follows:

 

Applicant	Amount Sought	Amount Agreed
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force	£2,000	£2,000
Bushin Mixed Martial Arts	£900	£900
Fairlife Foundation	£2,000	£0
Friends of Countess Ann School	£3,000	£0
Interfaith Group	£2,000	£2,000
Lemsford Football Club	£800	£800
Panshanger PTA	£2,000	£2,000
Paradigm Housing The Foyer	£2,000	£2,000
The Red Balloon Family Foundation	£2,000	£2,000
Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield Foodbank	£2,000	£2,000
Total		£13,700

 

 

The Chairman advised that the Working Group met prior to the Grants Board meeting and a number of suggestions had been made and a draft document would be prepared by Officers for consideration by the Group.  One of the suggestions was to have a front sheet on every application which would validate the scoring and show how the application meets the Council’s conditions.  It is anticipated that the final document would be available at the March meeting.

 

The Board thanked Councillor Irene Dean for all her work and support to the Grants Board over the years and noted that this was her last meeting as a Board Member.

 

 

Meeting ended at 7.30pm

GP