Capital Discretionary Fund - Grants

The Capital Discretionary Fund (CDF) forms part of our Capital Plan. It is available to help community based capital projects. Groups applying to the fund are expected to have other funding in place and the CDF should not be seen as the only source of funding.

Any constituted community group or organisation can apply. Groups applying to the fund are expected to have other funding in place.

Any constituted community group or third sector organisation can apply to the CDF.

Applications to the Capital Discretionary Fund (CDF) should not be for more than 50 percent of the total project cost.  Evidence of other funding will be required to be provided.

The minimum award of grant will be £10,000.  The maximum award will be £250,000.

The CDF will only support projects that meet the Council’s objectives, in line with our Programme.

All projects must meet the definition of capital expenditure. Capital expenditure would include the purchase, creation or major improvements to assets such as infrastructure, land and buildings.

All applications for funding should be submitted on our standard grant application form. Groups may be asked to provide additional information on request, such as a business plan, depending upon the value of sum applied for.

We will not consider a further application from the same group within a period of 12 months from the date the application is approved by Committee.

Any group which has had an application rejected is invited to re-submit a revised application for the same project or for a new project.

Any grant award by us will be time limited to a maximum period of three years. If the funding is not drawn down within that period, then the offer of funding will be withdrawn, and the applicant will be required to re-submit an application if the project is still viable.

Where the funding request involves the construction or major refurbishment of a building, there will be a presumption that the council will insist on a “clawback” clause that will place restrictions on the future sale of the building without reimbursement to the council of a sum up to the value of the original grant.

On occasions, a council funding commitment may assist in furthering grant applications, and the council will be prepared to consider applications before a full funding package is in place.  If this is the case, and applications are otherwise very strong, then Letters of Comfort may be offered in exceptional circumstances however there will be a time limit of two years applied.

All applications will be considered by the council’s Resources Committee.

Advice on the application process can be sought from the appropriate Ward managers.