Grant
FAQ’s
Our individual grant programme provides financial support to people experiencing hardship. Below are answers to the most common questions about applying and what we can help with. Please read through these before submitting your application.
FAQ’s for Individual Grants
How long will it take to process my application?
Please allow up to 28 days for our Grant Managers to assess your application.
Can I get food vouchers immediately?
No, our individual grant programme has a turnaround of up to 28 days. In an emergency situation, please contact emergency food providers. You can find information on local food support, including crisis support and more on our One Chippenham website here.
Do I need to apply for government or council support first?
Yes, if government or council funding is normally available for what you’re applying for, you must try that first. This includes support from:
Local councils:
- Local Welfare Assistance / Crisis Support (e.g. emergency food, white goods, utilities)
- Social Care Support for equipment or home adaptations
Other government support:
- Education funding (e.g. free school meals, childcare support)
- Disabled Facilities Grants for home adaptations
- Continuing Healthcare for long-term health needs
- Support for refugees and asylum seekers
We need to see proof that you’ve applied for the relevant support first, such as:
- A copy of your application
- A response from the authority
- Written confirmation that support was denied or delayed
We can only help when other support isn’t available.
What evidence do I need to apply for an individual grant?
To process your application efficiently, please provide supporting documents as evidence of your current financial status.
Required Evidence – we need 2 pieces:
- Evidence of your means-tested benefit OR your last 3 months’ payslips
- Your last month’s bank statement
We can’t assess your application until we receive the necessary documents.
Accepted means-tested benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
For Universal Credit applications: We accept a screenshot of your most recent payment, which must include:
- Your name and address
- A breakdown of how your monthly payment is calculated
Other acceptable documents include recent benefit award letters.
How to submit your documents: We accept scanned copies, screenshots, or clear photos of your documents, provided that all text is legible and includes the required details.
Please note: Disability benefits are not means-tested benefits. We therefore don’t require these as evidence, but please do declare this to us within your application.
Do you help with dental costs?
No, we do not provide funding for dental costs.
FAQ’s For Organisations
Who can apply for a CBLC organisational grant?
Not-for-profit organisations based in, or delivering services within, the Parish of Chippenham. Find out more here.
Does my organisation need to be a registered charity?
No. You don’t have to be a registered charity, but you must be not-for-profit and meet the eligibility criteria for our Grants for Organisations programme.
Can schools or community groups apply?
Yes. Schools, voluntary groups, and community organisations can apply if their project is based in and benefits residents of Chippenham Parish. Find out more here.
Do we need a community bank account?
Yes. You should have a bank account in the organisation’s name that requires at least two unrelated signatories. We cannot make grant payments to an individual accounts representing an organisation.
Can we apply for core costs (e.g., salaries, rent, utilities)?
Yes. Core costs are eligible.
Can we apply for capital costs (e.g., equipment, refurbishments)?
Yes. Capital items are eligible.
Can we apply for event funding?
Yes. Community events can be funded but they must take place within the Parish of Chippenham, be of community benefit and focus on at least one of our grant outcomes: –
- increased community participation and cohesion
- improved physical and/or mental health with reduced health inequalities
- improved education and secure employment
- more people with safe and suitable homes and a reduction of relative poverty (e.g., food, fuel)
- increased physical activity, participation in sports, arts, culture, and time outdoors in nature.
How much can we apply for?
You can apply for up to £10,000 in total within one financial year.
Can we submit more than one application in a year?
Yes, as long as the total awarded doesn’t exceed £10,000.
What activities or projects are not funded?
- Political activities
- Projects promoting or advancing religion
- Animal welfare projects
- Activities with little community/charitable benefit
- Projects already started before a decision is made
- Activities raising funds for other organisations
- Projects that should be funded statutorily
How do we apply for a CBLC grant?
By completing the online application form on the CBLC website. Find out more about our grant application process here.
Is the application form online?
Yes. Applications are submitted online. Applicants need to complete an eligibility form which leads straight onto the full application if eligible.
Can we get help with our application?
Yes. CBLC provides funding advice and support through our community drop-in sessions. Find out more here.
What reporting do we need to provide if we’re awarded a grant?
You’ll need to report on details including how funds were spent, the Chippenham residents who have benefitted and whether your planned outcomes were achieved.
What happens if our project changes after receiving the grant?
You must inform CBLC and get approval before making changes.
