 Introduced in 1996 – Formerly known as the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme  Allows Landfill Operators to pass a percentage of their landfill tax to a regulated independent Environmental Body (EB) like WREN. Participation is voluntary.  Regulated by ENTRUST, an independent company who reports to HM Revenues and Customs.  Encourages and enables landfill operators to support a wide range of community, environmental, conservation, heritage and volunteer based projects. Landfill Communities Fund - BACKGROUND

Typical projects supported by WREN grants include: Upgraded kitchens/toilets/heating at a village hall or community centre New play equipment and safety surfacing in a public park Recreation ground improvements Access works and interpretation on a nature reserve Skate parks and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA’s) What do WREN provide funding towards?

Before – Dry Drayton village hall kitchen

WREN operate two funding streams – Small Grants and Main Grants. Both funding streams have the same application deadlines, and the same decision dates, however, a Small Grant is aimed towards those smaller projects which are well-developed, and ready to take place immediately they have secured funding. Main Grant applications are intended for larger projects which may need to go to tender, or obtain planning permission, or may need some flexibility in the final choice of equipment etc. Details of our funding streams

The Landfill Communities Fund has a unique characteristic which other grant schemes do not have – it is a private funding stream, so has a cost involved in obtaining a grant. The cost is equal to 11% of the application value, not the total project cost, so if you are seeking a grant of £10,000, the Contributing Third Party Funding payment would be £1,100. Some organisations can provide this from their own fundraising, but please do not count it as ‘match funding’ to deliver your project cost. The ‘Third Party’ to whom this payment is made, is FCC Environment, the landfill operator who is providing the funds for WREN to administer. Contributory Third Party Funding

Since January 2010, WREN has provided 54 projects in Norfolk with grants totalling £1,358,700. In 2013, we awarded 14 projects £415,237 – this is the highest amount that the county has received in the past 5 years. But we are still seeking applications! WREN Grant history in Peterborough How has Norfolk benefitted from WREN?

Our next application deadline is the 16 th April, for a decision at the end of July. The following deadline is 20 th August for a late November decision application deadlines are published on the WREN website and application forms are also available to download. When can we apply to WREN?

Contact WREN on: Tel: Web: Or Sarah Gosling on: Tel: CONTACT DETAILS

So you want to apply for a grant? What do you need to do BEFORE you fill in the form? Sarah Gosling – WREN Grant Manager - Norfolk

You’re looking for a grant Where have you gone for advice? What do you need a grant for? How have you identified it? Can you demonstrate evidence of this need? Consulted or gained the support of your users/local community?

Good Preparation For Your Journey Where are you headed? Have you got a map/destination? Don’t travel alone! Have a small entourage to support you. Got your tickets? Passport? (Important and essential documents) Why are you going on this journey? Can you explain that to others?

Do I need a Project Plan? The creation of a Project Plan could be invaluable to the success of your project. It means that each and every member of your committee will have the information with which they can fill in application forms, and answer questions from funders. It also means that you keep to the intended aim, rather than it changing and losing focus during the fundraising period. But don’t think that it can’t be changed – it can! Have a basic ‘introductory’ paragraph written out on a postcard ready to use in correspondence/conversations with funders.

Project Plan – the starting list –Brief history of your organisation, and any current strengths within committee –Aims of the project – what difference will it make to the community? –What it will cost – either quotes or based on similar projects elsewhere –Where you will get funding from – including in-kind donations/volunteers. Timescale of grant applications? –Timescale – be realistic – speak to funders to find out dates –Prepare for ‘Plan B’ – how could you adapt your project to be achieved in realistic time/costs –Evidence of need – summarise consultation/support etc. –Sustainability – on-going management/income projections –Is it ‘Green’? How? What defines this? –SWOT analysis – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.

Consultation or Support? Generally, support is asked for when you are improving or renovating something. Support can also be given by the public when you have finalised designs/plans. Consultation is when you are changing or creating something. The results from consultation will form the final plans for your project. Make it age/group relevant – keep tangible evidence. WREN expects to see the appropriate level for each individual application – but check with each funder. Do you also have support for your project from the Town/Borough/District Council? In what way? WREN have advice sheets on community buildings and play and leisure projects available for download on our website. Ask for support from Development Officers – Council, VCA, CVS or NRCC

Eligibility Do your homework on the funding schemes you wish to apply to – seek advice on where to start, and look into the funders history to see what type of projects they support. ? Are you in their eligible area? ? Can you apply directly or via another body? ? What is their funding limit or % ? ? When is their next deadline and when will you receive a decision ? Contact them and have a brief chat to ensure that your particular project is something which they will consider an application for.

Misunderstandings Easy to listen to ‘hearsay’ from others – do not rely on this : SPEAK TO THE FUNDER FIRST

It’s all in the perspective Remember that you are the people who know all about your village/town/project – funders possibly don’t. Make sure that your project plan is clear and give it to someone else to read (relative/co-worker/neighbour) and ask if they understand what you’re trying to achieve. Can you get your view across to a stranger?

What is usually needed before applying to funders: –A project to apply with! –Definite full project costings (architect figures or contractors estimate) – remember to include VAT/fees etc. –Evidence of support if the project involves maintenance or improvement of an existing facility. –Details and results of consultation, if the project involves something ‘new’ or ‘changed’ from that which currently exists. –A complete budget of where other funding will be sourced/has been applied. –A realistic timescale to achieve the project. Application basics

Finally... Advertised application deadlines are normally strict – if you are in charge of submitting the application, tell the committee a date which gives you a week’s breathing space. Don’t forget – funders are not the enemy, but the most friendly of allies – we are open, we are listening, and we WANT to spend our money!