Science Museum Group Wroughton Solar Park Sustainable Futures Grants

Which organisations are eligible for funding?

You can apply for funding if you are a:

• constituted voluntary or community organisation or a
• registered charity or a
• not-for-profit company, including Community Interest Companies where: the majority of directors receive no payment from the company, it is limited by guarantee* and has a suitable asset lock clause
• school, academy or college

*If the CIC is limited by shares, please speak to us before applying.

You also need to be a:

• a local organisation based and operating in Wiltshire &/or Swindon (this can include local branches of national organisations with your own management committee based in Wiltshire or Swindon and bank account).

or

• an organisation based outside Wiltshire/Swindon that meets the following:
  • applying for work in Wiltshire &/or Swindon
  • the majority of your other services are in counties neighbouring Wiltshire/Swindon
  • have worked collaboratively with local people to identify need and the best way to address issues
  • have a good understanding of other services in the area you propose to serve and not duplicating support already on offer

Your organisation must have:

• an active Voluntary Management Committee or Directors or Trustees of at least three people who are not:
  • related to each other or in a long-term relationship
  • living at the same address

• a constitution appropriate to the size and structure of the organisation
• a safeguarding policy in the name of the organisation, that is regularly reviewed and updated and with a named safeguarding lead
• an equalities policy in the name of the organisation

Safeguarding and equalities policies should reflect current legislation and the activities and scope of your organisation. Further guidance on safeguarding and equalities is available here

Your organisation needs the following financial arrangements and documents:

• a bank account in the name of the organisation with two signatories who are not related to each other
• an appropriate level of reserves for the size and nature of your organisation. We would expect your unrestricted reserves to represent less than 12 months running costs
• financial records or accounts showing income, expenditure and reserves for the most recent financial year
• a financial plan or budget showing this year's expected income, expenditure and reserves.
• a recent bank statement – we will need this to be able to pay you your grant if you are awarded

If you don't have some of the documents mentioned above, please talk to us for further advice. New organisations who do not have some of the above in place may be able to apply through another charitable organisation.

What types of costs are eligible for funding?

You can apply for a grant to:

• to continue the work your organisation already does
• to pay for a new activity which can include:
  • core costs - these might include (but not only) salaries, volunteer expenses, training, utilities, office supplies, materials, insurance or premises costs, publicity
  • projects costs - these might include (but not only) staff costs, volunteer expenses, training, equipment or materials, additional insurance or venue hire, promotion/advertising
  • capital costs (buildings and equipment) - if the cost of the project is more than the grant, you must have already secured most of the funds needed before you apply to us.

Examples include:

• Installing renewable energy equipment such as solar panels
• Reducing water use e.g. installing rain water harvesting system
• Creating or conserving a local habitat for nature
• Planting trees or wildflowers to increase biodiversity
• Trialling or implementing new approaches to learning and development in STEM and/or environment
• Making STEM and/or environment learning open to new audiences e.g. groups that are currently underrepresented in study or employment in these areas
• Using new or innovative technology solutions to tackle a local issue
• Research, feasibility studies or pilot projects

You can read a more detailed example of a project funded through this programme here

You must plan to start spending the grant within six months of when it was awarded and have 18 months to deliver the project.

Who and what we don’t fund:

• money to individuals or households
• statutory bodies such as county, city, town or parish councils or health institutions
• charities that operate nationally
• one-off or sponsored events 
• projects which duplicate an existing service
• the advancement of religion
• medical research and equipment
• animal welfare
• party political activities

To discuss your project and request an application form please contact the Programmes Team via karen.hobbs@wscf.org.uk or (01380) 738985

We recommend you use this checklist before you contact us.

You can read guidance notes on completing the application questions here

If you have any queries please contact us on 01380 738985 or email info@wscf.org.uk