Policy on Panel Applications for Local Small Grants

Purpose

This policy guides REMAP panels on how to effectively apply for local small grants while avoiding applications for national grants. This ensures that our panels remain focused on their immediate communities, build strong relationships with local funders, and maintain a consistent approach to funding. 

Policy Statement 

REMAP panels are encouraged to apply for small local grants to support their activities, projects, and initiatives. However, panels are requested to refrain from applying for national grants to avoid competition with the broader REMAP organisation. 

Guidelines for Local Small Grant Applications 

1. Identifying Local Grant Opportunities 

Panels should seek grant opportunities from local councils, community foundations, businesses, and other regional funders. The grant should be small-scale, typically in the range of £500 to £5,000. 

When seeking funding from corporates/businesses. If it is a national company, do they provide funding across the entire country or only within your local area? If they limit funding to one grant per charity, it may be better to have this managed by the central team. Please contact us if you have any questions. 

2. Application Content Requirements 

When applying for local small grants, panels should aim to include the following information in their applications: 

a. Introduction to REMAP 

• Briefly describe REMAP as a charity that designs and creates custom-made equipment to help people with disabilities live more independently. 

• Explain the unique value of REMAP’s services, focusing on how these bespoke solutions are not available elsewhere and are provided free of charge. 

b. Project Description 

• Clearly outline the specific project or activity for which the grant is sought. 

• Include details on how the project addresses the local community’s needs, particularly focusing on how it will benefit the individual. 

• If the request is not for core funding, provide a project timeline with key milestones and expected outcomes. 

c. Target Beneficiaries 

• Describe the demographics and specific needs of the people who will benefit from the project. 

• Highlight any local partnerships or collaborations with other organisations that will enhance the project’s impact i.e Men’s Shed, local schools, local support groups. 

d. Budget and Cost Breakdown 

• Provide a detailed budget that includes all expected costs associated with the project. 

• Justify the need for each budget item, explaining how it contributes to the project’s success. 

• Ensure the budget aligns with the requested grant amount, demonstrating prudent and efficient use of funds. 

• If you are seeking core/general funds, you can use the current average cost per solution at £120 (please do check this information is up to date before applying). 

e. Impact and Evaluation 

• Explain the project’s expected impact on the local community and the individuals it serves. 

• Describe how the project’s success will be measured and evaluated. Include any plans for collecting feedback or data to demonstrate the project’s effectiveness. We now have the capability to ask clients for feedback via a survey please speak with the CO for guidance on how that operates. 

f. Sustainability 

• Outline how the project will be sustained after the grant funding has been used, if applicable. 

• Mention any plans for future funding or ongoing support that will be sought to continue the project’s impact. 

Each grant-giving organisation will have its own information requirements. It’s best to provide as much detail as possible and address as many relevant points as you can in your application. Ensure that you cover every area they ask for. 

3. Approval Process 

Before submitting any grant application: 

• Notify the Central Office ( data@remap.org.uk) of the intended application to ensure coordination and avoid potential conflicts with broader REMAP initiatives. 

• Please be mindful of closing dates and give the central team time to get back to you to avoid missing opportunities.  

4. Reporting and Accountability 

Upon receiving a grant, panels are required to: 

• Update the central team with any successes and the amount of the grant awarded. 

• Comply with the funders reporting requests. 

5.  National Grant Applications 

REMAP panels must not apply for national grants independently. The central office manages national grants to ensure consistency, avoid overlap, and maximise the effectiveness of national fundraising efforts. If a panel identifies a national funding opportunity, it should inform the central team. 

Conclusion

This approach ensures that funding efforts are coordinated, sustainable, and impactful locally and nationally. 

A Word version of this policy can be downloaded here.