Department for Communities (DfC): Community Halls Programme

Overview

The scheme aims to help organisations to undertake minor works to maintain and/ or enhance their valuable contribution to the local community and wider society. Individual awards of up to £25,000 will be made to community organisations and no match funding is required from organisations receiving funding as part of this pilot programme.

Examples of community buildings include church halls, scout halls, orange halls and other halls and centres which are used for a multitude of activities.

Who can apply?

To apply organisations must:

• own their hall or hold a long term lease for the hall
• be the organisation responsible for operating the hall
• be formally constituted (or be willing to become constituted).

NB If the property is held in trust, the organisation must provide written permission from the owner and/or the Trustee(s) to allow the proposed works to proceed

What types of MINOR work can be funded?

• Small scale refurbishment/ renovation works – this might include new toilet and hygiene facilities, internal and external works such as car park improvements, boundary and ground works, access improvements, re-roofing, guttering, flooring;
• Alterations to mechanical and electrical services to allow for efficient use of the premises – this might include glazing, boiler replacement, air-conditioning, plumbing and electrical upgrades;
• General work to meet health and safety standards – this might include, CCTV and alarm systems, security equipment, disability access.

NB All expenditure must be incurred and works completed by 31 March 2017 and if the proposal requires Statutory Approvals (Building Control, Planning Approval etc.) this needs to be already in place or be secured within the required timescale to complete the project by 31st March 2017.

Assessment

The Assessment Panel will consider the following criteria and score applications accordingly

• Previous Funding - the Programme wants to be make a difference. New or recently renovated halls are not eligible. For the purposes of this Pilot Programme, ‘new or renovated’ means an extensive programme of capital works in the past 5 years. Halls which have not received central or local government funding or lottery funds will score highest.
• Need – the Programme wants to reach those groups and communities most in need – including the age and condition of existing halls and any health and safety risks. Halls in the greatest state of disrepair will score highest.
• Usage – the Programme wants to support the increased use of halls for wider community benefit and assist halls to continue to offer space and services to the community where this might be jeopardised if replacement/ upgrade work is not undertaken. Organisations who can demonstrate they offer services which would not be otherwise available in their area will score highest. Organisations who demonstrate the funding will make a significant difference to their positive impact on the local community will score highest.

Priority will be given to applications

• where there has been limited previous investment by central government, local councils or Lottery funds;
• are currently restricted in their use or under-utilised because of disrepair;
• have been subject to recent criminal damage or result of anti-social behavior (within the last 12 months);
• are located in areas where access to similar services is limited.