An annual Community Chest Fund of £10,000 is allocated to each of the council's 21 wards.  The fund is for small grants for community groups. The councillors for each ward are responsible for administering the fund, which means:-

• assessing each of the bids to ensure they meet the criteria set,
• making decisions on allocation of grants and
• monitoring the expenditure and outcomes of each agreed project.

The ward decisions are ultimately approved by the Council's Cabinet. 

Bids are invited for the fund from any voluntary, community and recreational groups working in the Wakefield District area. Grants are available for the purchase of specific items or towards the cost of specific pieces of work. Criteria have been set by which each bid will be assessed (see the Guidance Notes document under 'Downloads').

Because the grants are awarded by the Wakefield Council, the criteria have been set to ensure that any monies allocated will assist the Council in achieving its overall aims and objectives and so work towards providing better services for the people of the district.

Examples of eligible projects could be

• Buying materials for a community art club or drama society
• Paying for a training programme or learning opportunity for a group’s committee or members
• Hiring or purchasing equipment
• Paying for new groups to hire a room to hold a first meeting
• Funding a community festival or sports day
• Supporting fund raising activities
• Buying basic IT equipment and the training to go with it
• Designing and printing community group stationery or publicity materials
• Renovating premises or building improvements to enhance community use of a building (subject to relevant / appropriate permissions).

What the Community Chest cannot support

• Activities for religious or politically oriented purposes (although applications from religious groups for community activities are welcomed)
• Overheads or running costs for the group/organisation (i.e. public liability insurances, rent, rates, salaries etc)
• Any activities that may conflict with Wakefield Council policies
• Retrospective applications will not be accepted, any costs paid or liabilities incurred before submission of the funding application will not be funded. (Groups need to allow a minimum of 8 weeks for decision in advance of any project or event to allow adequate time for consultation and processing).
• The cost of work or activities that any other person/agency has a statutory duty to undertake
• The construction or acquisition of buildings
• Interest/service charges or contingent liabilities

Repetitive bids / year on year applications

Priority will be given to first time applicants over all repeat applications. Groups can re-seek funds every second year, to encourage groups to seek other sources of funding. Groups will be permitted to submit more than one application each year on the condition that it is for different and separate activities or projects and dependant on available resources, as again first time applicants will be given precedence.

Applications from Schools

All applications relating to schools are not to be submitted directly by the school but by the Parent Teacher’s Association, Friends of the School, Governors or other relevant fund raising group.

Applications relating to services provided by Wakefield Council service areas or statutory agencies

The service will need to provide written confirmation that the activity / project to be funded through the community chest would not be possible through existing mainstream funding, and all future maintenance responsibilities will be absorbed into on-going maintenance and revenue budgets.

Applications from campaigning groups

A written statement will be required stating the groups activities will not conflict with Wakefield Council policies.

Applications for festive lights (internal commissioning or bids from community groups)

Wakefield Council Facilities Management Service will need to provide written confirmation that provision of lights / labour costs to be funded through the community chest would not be possible through existing mainstream funding but that any future storage costs will be covered by Facilities Management and that they will work with local members, community groups or town and parish councils on future display proposals.

Applications for Town and Parish Council Projects

Where relevant Town or Parish Clerk will need to provide written confirmation that activity / project to be funded through community chest would not be possible through existing mainstream Town or Parish funding but any future maintenance responsibilities will be absorbed into on-going maintenance and revenue budgets - either at the Town or Parish Council’s expense, or that other arrangements have been made and details given.  Alternatively, as a means of developing capacity and ‘growing’ local groups, local councillors should identify a community group to lead on a project and submit the bid for funding on behalf of the Town or Parish Council.

Single group funding

Applications submitted on the basis of a particular identity, e.g. ethnic, religious or cultural groups should be the exception and not the rule. Groups should explain how their activity promotes or will promote integration within the district.

See 'Downloads' for an application form and guidance notes.