At the end of 2019, CCB applied to the Government’s Analytical Volunteering Programme (https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/careers/analytical-volunteer-programme/), through the NCVO (https://www.ncvo.org.uk/) for support with data analysis in conjunction with our loneliness and social isolation project. We’re delighted to report that CCB have been matched with two volunteers.

Marine Roux is from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Adam Secret is from the Home Office. Both have the ideal mix of skills and experience in researching and working with data that we need to make sense of the many indicators that, in combination, will give our project fresh insight into the scale and nature of social isolation amongst older people in Berkshire.

With help from Marine and Adam, we hope to develop a tool that will enable us to quantify the numbers of people within any given geography within Berkshire, based on an appropriate range of criteria. This should give the communities we are working with some valuable insights into the appropriateness of the range of current social activities taking place already, as well as the scale of potential demand for new social activities that target specific, under-represented groups.

For more information on this project, please contact Tim Parry at tim.parry@ccberks.org.uk

Hallmark Levels 1 – 3 are quality standard marks for Village Halls & Community Buildings

They demonstrate to your Community and stakeholders (e.g. Insurance Companies, banks & funders) that your building meets the basic standards (L1) through to exceptional standards (L3) of quality provision.

They also act as an internal audit to reassure Trustees/Management Committees that they are meeting legal obligations and serving the community as directed by their constitution.

Hallmark training has been scheduled for the following dates, please click on the link to book your place:

26th March, 10am – 12pm at Ashhampstead Village Hall, Hallmark 1 (West Berkshire Halls): https://ccberks.wufoo.com/forms/hallmark-1-training-ashampstead/

18th May, 10am – 12pm, Hurst Village Hall, Hallmark 1 (Wokingham Village Halls): https://ccberks.wufoo.com/forms/hallmark-1-training-hurst/

21st May, 10am – 12pm , Hampstead Norreys, Hallmark 2: https://ccberks.wufoo.com/forms/hallmark-2-training-hampstead-norreys/

After you have achieved HALLMARK 1, you can attend HALLMARK 2 training. After attending this course and a short site visit you could attain a HALLMARK 2 certificate.

In the Autumn of 2020 we plan to work with L2 Halls to help them achieve HALLMARK 3 (the highest standard)

What does training cover? Training covers a great deal, but in essence covers the following;

Hallmark 1 focuses on the management and administration of the charity.
Hallmark 2 focuses on health, safety, security and licences.
Hallmark 3 requires the hall to be working with the community and its users, including stakeholders; marketing the hall and building its profile in the centre of the community.

The aim of Hallmark is to:
• Establish good practice
• Encourage improvement in established customs and procedures
• Gain recognition for obtaining good standards in management of the hall
For any questions or further details please contact: Kate.Meads@ccberks.org.uk

Satellite Club Funding

Are you enthusiastic about getting Berkshire teenagers more active? Start up, work in partnership or need more funds for a satellite club? Roller Skating, Friday Night Football, Inclusive Ice Skating, Wheelchair Rugby, Dance and Angling are only some of the activities that a satellite club might offer.

What are the grants for?
Satellite Clubs are part of a programme funded by Sport England to support community sports clubs and other non-sporting community organisations to deliver physical activity sessions to young people.
Community Satellite Clubs provide regular opportunities for inactive young people (aged between 14-19) to access physical activity that is enjoyable, appealing and convenient based on their individual needs.

School Satellite Clubs provide regular opportunities for inactive young people (aged 11-19) and are delivered in partnership with at least one school HE/FE provider. All sessions must be delivered in non-curriculum time.

Who is the target audience ?
Those people that don’t necessarily have the same opportunities as others or who have difficulties in accessing opportunities.

These audiences include:
• Low socio-economic groups
• Women and girls
• Ethnic minority groups
• People living with a disability.

What does the grant support?
Funding can be used to help set up satellite clubs. This can include equipment, facility hire and coaching costs. Or it can be used to support an existing club.

Where possible the programme prefers to support those in highlighted areas of deprivation to make sure the population are receiving the same opportunities as those in other areas. Please call Berkshire Active (01628 472 851) if you would like more information on these specific areas.

How to apply
• Application forms can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
• Completed forms should be sent to chelsea.piggott@getberkshireactive.org
• Application process closes: Wednesday 29th January
• Successful applicants notified: Week commencing 6th February
• Delivery must start by: Week commencing 9th March

Click Here for the Guidance & to Make an Application

The Open Fund for Organisations
The Open Fund for Organisations supports new music projects led by promoters, talent development organisations, venues, festivals, curators and large performance groups.
See https://prsfoundation.com/funding-support/funding-for-organisations/the-open-fund-for-organisations/ for more details. Deadlines for current round: 12th February 2020

British Ecological Society
British Ecological Society Grants to promote ecological science
Outreach Grants available to individuals and organisations such as schools, museums, libraries and community groups to promote ecological science to a wide audience. Funding of upto £2000 available.
See https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/funding/outreach-grants/ for details and to apply. Deadline for this round: 20th March 2020

Ouseley Trust: Church Choral Music Grants
Churches, choral foundations, choir schools and others which promote a high standard of Church choral music have until the 28th February 2020 to apply for funding from the Ouseley trust. Funding categories cover: courses, endowments, fees for individual choristers at choir schools, the purchase of liturgical music and other innovative projects.
See http://www.ouseleytrust.org.uk/about.html for details. Deadline 28th February 2020.

Berkshire Community Foundation Funding – Give a Child a Chance

Grants are made to individual children and groups which work with children up to and including the age of 18 (and up to the age of 25 for those with learning and/or physical disabilities). The appeal aims to help children in general but especially targets children:
• With physical or learning disabilities
• With psychological and behavioural disorders
• Deprived of a normal life e.g. fostered or in hospital or
• Suffering from financial hardship
Grants of up to £1,000 are available.
Deadline: 9.00am, Tuesday 28 January 2020

Find out more about Give a Child a Chance

Berkshire Carers Service Fund

Berkshire Carers Service Fund will allocate awards aiming to benefit carers to charities or community groups working in Berkshire.

For the purposes of the Fund, the definition of a carer is: someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends who would not be otherwise able to manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner, child or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health issues. The Fund is particularly interested in allocating grants which will help organisations develop and set up new sustainable services for carers and/or regular events for carers. Groups working with the ‘cared for’, aiming to set up services for their related carers are encouraged to apply.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available.
Deadline: 9.00am, Tuesday 28 January 2020

Find out more about Berkshire Carers Service Fund

Disadvantage in Slough Fund

Berkshire Community Foundation manages a fund which aims to support community groups addressing issues of disadvantage impacting on residents of all ages living within Slough.

Grants are available of up to £7,000.
Deadline: 9.00am, Tuesday 28 January 2020

Find out more about the Disadvantage in Slough Fund

Vital for Berkshire Essential Resources Fund

‘Vital for Berkshire’ aims to increase support for people across Berkshire who are struggling to cope with a range of issues preventing them from having a safe home, good health and secure employment.

BCF recently asked grant applicants for their feedback on their funding experience with BCF. From the findings from the survey, a huge number of groups reported that they find it difficult to fund essential resources/core costs. So, for this funding round, BCF managed funds will be allocated in grants of up to £10,000 towards running costs for groups working to address the above needs.

Grants available of up to £10,000.
Deadline: 9.00am, Tuesday 28 January 2020

Find out more about Vital for Berkshire Essential Resources Fund

BCF Funds for The Elderly

BCF manages a number of funds which aim to support projects tackling issues of isolation, disability and/or disadvantage affecting the elderly.

Grants awarded will aim to improve health and well-being, improve access to facilities, advice and training, and to overcome problems such as illness, injury, disability, bereavement or financial difficulty.

Grants are available of up to £5,000.
Deadline: 9.00am, Tuesday 28 January 2020

Find out more about BCF Funds for The Elderly

Masonic Charity – Later Life

This grant programme is open to charities who are working to reduce loneliness and isolation in later life. Charities with incomes of under £500,000 can apply for a small grant of between £500 and £15,000 over 1-3 years. These grants are unrestricted.

Charities with incomes of over £500,000 can seek a large grant for up to 3 years. They range upwards from £10,000, averaging from £20,000 to £80,000. Large grants must be used to fund a specific project.

Deadline is 17 February 2020.

Find out more about Masonic Charity – Later Life

Masonic Charity – Early Years Opportunities

This programme is open to charities that help disadvantaged children and young people overcome the barriers they face to achieve the best possible start in life.

Charities with incomes of under £500,000 can apply for a small grant of between £500 and £15,000 over 1-3 years. These grants are unrestricted.

Charities with incomes of over £500,000 can seek a large grant for up to 3 years. Grants are between £10,000 and £150,000, however the average grant ranges from £20,000 to £80,000. Large grants must be used to fund a specific project.

Deadline is 17 February 2020.

Find out more about Masonic Charity – Early Years Opportunities

Co-op Community Dividend Fund
Deadline: 31st January, 2020
Grants are available to support local causes and make a positive difference across the central region of England

NFU Mutual Charitable Trust
Grants are available to large charitable groups and organisations in the UK for projects that further the objectives of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, particularly those that educate young people in rural areas and relieve of poverty in rural areas.

With thanks to Slough CVS, Wokingham & Bracknall InVOLve and Volunteer Centre West Berkshire fod funding news content.