The Highland Council can provide annual revenue grants up to a maximum of £1000 per year to encourage community use of independent halls in the Highlands. Halls are able to apply for up to 30% of their annual running costs. The organisation’s most recent approved annual accounts will be examined to determine the appropriate level of grant.
Application Process
A standard application form should be completed and applications should be submitted no later than 31st December each year.
Eligibility
To qualify for assistance, halls applying for grants must meet the following eligibility criteria.
- They must be independently owned or leased on a secure and long term basis to the community.
- They must be properly constituted, non-profit making organisations which exist for public benefit
- The facilities must be available, within reason, to all members of the community
- They must be run and managed by an elected, representative committee from the community
Additional Guidance
- This scheme is designed for halls which provide services to the whole community. Therefore, halls or premises owned and used by specific interest or activity groups (e.g. sports clubs, youth clubs, arts centres, day care centres) will not be eligible to apply for these grants.
- It is recognised that halls are particularly important in rural communities and are often the only facilities available locally. People living in larger centres of population usually have access to a range of facilities. For these reasons, priority will be given to providing funding for halls serving communities with a population of less than 3000 people.
- Unless there are exceptional circumstances, only one hall in each community (as defined above) will be supported.
- Where is there is more than one hall in villages/communities of less than 3000 discussions will take place with Ward Members who will nominate the facility they wish to support.
- For larger towns/villages (i.e. those with a population of more than 3000) discussions will take place with Ward Members who will nominate the independent halls they wish to support. It is anticipated that that total number of independent halls in these supported will relate proportionally to the total population.
- In both instances, decisions will be taken in light of the other community facilities which are available locally for example, community schools, town halls etc
- To receive financial assistance from the Highland Council all organisations who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults must have appropriate policies in place to protect them from harm or abuse. Grant aided premises which hire out their facilities must also have systems in place to check that relevant groups have appropriate policies in place. More information available here.
For information, please contact:
Jeannie Graham, External Funding Manager
Tel: (01463) 702064
email: jeannie.graham@highland.gov.uk