Decision details

To consider the report of the Project Officer for Grants,

(i)  To approve that the council continues to administer the Community Chest small grants scheme.

(ii)  To approve the revised process for awarding grants from the Community Chest small grants scheme, including amended criteria and community representatives joining the recommendation panel

Nearly two-thirds of the consultation respondents thought the council should continue to administer the small grants scheme and over 80% thought people from the local community should be more involved in making the grant recommendations.  Feedback was also received on the type of groups and projects the small grants could fund.  The revised Community Chest small grants scheme has been developed as a result of this feedback. 

1. Continuing the small grants scheme as in its current form was considered and rejected.  The scheme is an essential lifeline for many small community groups in the city and needs to be reviewed regularly to ensure it is meeting their needs as well as contributing to the council’s priorities.
2. Outsourcing administration of the small grants scheme was considered and rejected as it was clear from the consultation feedback that respondents wanted the council to continue to administer the scheme.