FAQ
Applying for an award
How do I apply?
You must apply online - the application form will take you through each step. Please click on 'Apply' in the menu bar above.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations which benefit Chelmsford residents and already have a UK bank account, a set of rules and relate to one of our themes. For example: residents associations, sports clubs, youth organisations, conservation groups or church groups (providing their work doesn’t involve the promotion of religion). See Terms & Conditions for full eligibility criteria.
Who can't apply?
The following are not eligible for a Chelmsford Grand Award:
- projects which only benefit an individual
- projects that promote political or religious belief(s)
- national charities (local branches maybe eligible if appropriately consituted)
- schools
- parish/town councils (some exceptions may apply, email for clarification)
We will not give money to projects that have already been completed, for commercial work, to cover legal fees, core funding costs (e.g. rent, overheads, insurance), fund-raising costs or start-up costs. Groups that have already received Corporate Grant Aid from Chelmsford Borough Council in the same year are also ineligible.
When can I apply?
You can apply at any time during the year. However, you must be able to deliver the project within six months of the award being made (i.e. eight months after application). Your application must be received by midday on the last day of a given month to be considered for an award during the following month.
How many times can I apply?
If eligible, you can apply up to three times per calendar year. Once shortlisted on our website, you have to wait until next year to apply. Once you win an Award, you cannot apply again.
Where can I get feedback or help with my application?
Chelmsford Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) is the best place to get advice and feedback on your application. Contact: 1st Floor, 47 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SY. Telephone: 01245 351888 Email: info@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk
Our group doesn’t have a constitution or a bank account. Can I still apply?
No – to be eligible for any financial awards you will need both a constitution and a bank account.
Smaller groups of volunteers often don’t have these, but don’t let this put you off! These are not as difficult to organise as they might sound, and there is plenty of support available. Contact Chelmsford Council for Voluntary Service for advice: 1st Floor, 47 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SY. Telephone: 01245 351888 Email: info@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk
Assessing and shortlisting
What is shortlisting?
Shortlisting is the assessment stage, where a panel will decide which groups will go through to the voting stage.
When does shortlisting happen?
Ongoing short listing of applications will take place each month throughout the year. For example, applications from January will be short listed in February, for public voting in March.
Who decides which groups are shortlisted?
Applications will be initially reviewed by Council officers. All eligible groups will be put forwards to a panel for shortlisting. The panel will choose three groups to go on the website for public voting.This panel will be made up of mixed-party Councillors, a Council officer and an external independent person.
How do you decide which groups to shortlist?
We are committed to ensuring that all applications are assessed equally and fairly.
We are looking for eligible groups which:
- Encourage more people to become actively involved in local groups and projects
- Improve quality of life and sense of community
- Show initiative and resolve to address a local issue
- Show evidence of community need
- Have not been funded by Chelmsford Borough Council before
- Are smaller in size
- Target under-represented groups (e.g. disabled people, ethnic minorities, areas of social and economic deprivation, rural areas etc.)
Voting
How can I vote?
You must vote online at www.chelmsfordgrandawards.co.uk/vote. You will need an email address to register your vote, to make sure people only vote once a month. Voting closes at midnight on the last day of each month.
How many times can I vote?
Each person can vote only once per month
How do I get people to vote for my group?
Spread the word to all your friends, group members and colleagues! Email them the link, or send it to people via Facebook or Twitter. Encourage people to join our social media related groups. And remember the more people who know about your group and vote for you, the more likely you are to win £1000.
Volunteering
Why are there are no volunteering details for the group I want to volunteer with?
When each group applies, we ask them if they are looking for volunteers. If they are not, we do not advertise volunteering opportunities on the website.