Apply For A Grant

Westhoughton Town Council awards grants of up to £500 to community organisations.

This is the form to complete if your group or organisation is applying for a grant. We've provided guidance notes which will help you answer the questions.

Please note:

  • Grants are only available to support local voluntary and community groups, defined as a non-profit making organisation set up by a voluntary, unpaid management committee and will not be awarded to individuals.

  • Only one application per group in each financial year, except in exceptional circumstances.

  • A limit of £500 per organisation will be applied, except in exceptional circumstances.

  • The grant applicant should not clearly fall within the remit of some other statutory agency e.g. hospital, school, GP service, police etc.

  • Grants are not awarded retrospectively.

  • The organisation must benefit the local community e.g. meeting the needs of people experiencing social and economic difficulties.

  • The organisation must clearly explain the need for financial support by providing a description of the project/activity for which a contribution is required and quotes/estimates wherever possible.

  • A set of independently audited accounts and/or bank statements should be submitted.

  • Organisations that have only recently set up and do not have audited accounts should provide evidence of a bank account set up in its name and a financial statement regarding their proposed budget.

  • Efforts to generate income from any other sources must be submitted.

  • The project should be completed within twelve months of receipt of the money. The Council will request feedback in writing and/or photos showing how the money was spent.

  • All projects must acknowledge Westhoughton Town Council’s financial contribution in any marketing material. A photo with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or representative of the council will be requested.

  • Groups receiving grants will be invited to the Annual Town Meeting to explain how the grant has helped the community.

  • If the project is cancelled, or only partially achieved, the remaining grant money must be returned to Westhoughton Town Council.

  • Grants can only be used for the purpose that they were awarded. Any changes to the original project must be agreed with the Council.

Terms and conditions

The Town Council will be unable to proceed with the grant application until all of the above information has been supplied.

Grants are only available to support local voluntary and community groups, defined as a non-profit making organisation set up by a voluntary, unpaid management committee.

Groups must try to seek other sources of funding. The amount of any previous town council grants awarded, the length of time between applications and the group's fundraising activities will be taken into account when the grant application is being considered.

Groups must comply fully with the terms of a grant awarded and any breach will jeopardise future applications.

The offer of a grant will be automatically withdrawn if paid invoices / receipts are not submitted to the Town Clerk within 12 months of the date of the grant being approved.

Grant applications will be considered at the next appropriate Town Council meeting.