Lancashire warm spaces grant scheme
This small grant programme has been set up for local organisations and groups within the voluntary, community, and faith sector, as well as for parish and town councils, to support the creation and improvement of warm and welcoming spaces for residents amidst the rising cost of living, focussing on those most in need.
Who can and cannot apply
Applicants to the scheme need to:
- Be applying for funding for a project taking place within the Lancashire County Council area.
- Be a building freeholder (owner) or have obtained all the relevant permissions from the freeholder to run this warm space.
- Agree to abide by the Lancashire Warm Spaces Charter.
- Agree to register your warm space on our online directory, and therefore hold and fully comply with up to date:
- Public Liability Insurance
- Safeguarding policies and procedures
- Appropriate risk assessments
We can accept applications from:
- Voluntary or community organisations
- Registered charities
- Constituted groups or clubs
- Community interest companies (CIC)
- Town and Parish Councils
- Faith organisations
We cannot accept applications from:
- Individuals
- Organisations that are aimed at generating profits
- Schools
Applying more than once
Lead applicants can only submit one application, however, a lead applicant can be a partner in separate applications.
Application process
There is £72,000 of funding available and applicants can apply for up to £500 to support projects that provide a Warm Space, focusing on supporting those most in need.
The first round of the grant scheme will run from Wednesday 8 November 2023 to 23:59 Sunday 3 December 2023. Decisions will be made within a 14-day period from the date of application closure.
Officers will review all applications to ensure they meet the basic criteria. The key questions asked of each application will include:
- How many residents will it benefit – Number of beneficiaries or target group?
- How have you identified a need for your project?
- What will your project do?
- Are costs reasonable?
- Is there a detailed breakdown of costs e.g., approximate premises, refreshment, or fuel costs?
- Does this project duplicate existing local provision?
NB. If your project is based in a rural area, this will be taken into consideration alongside the number of beneficiaries.
Future application dates will be advertised if any funding is remaining following the first round. We would therefore encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.
Conditions
All awarded funds will need to be spent by the end of March 2024.
We reserve the right to change the future focus and conditions of this grant scheme based on feedback and ongoing review.
Support for warm spaces
Find out what support you'll get when you register as a warm space.
What you can and cannot spend the money on
You can spend the funding on:
- Equipment
- Energy bills (gas and electric) or meter top ups*
- Premises costs
- Volunteer and organisational training
- Volunteer expenses
- Expenses for light refreshments can be included
- Projects and activities that build resilience
- Organisational staff costs
You cannot spend the funding on:
- Statutory activities
- Political or religious activities
- One-off events
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this grant scheme, or require any support, please contact: warmspaces@lancashire.gov.uk