Please read this section carefully before completing your application and tick the check box to confirm that you meet the criteria.
1. To be successful, the applicant must:
1.1 Be a group or individual acting for the wider benefit of the local community
1.2 Live within the geographic boundaries of one of our Regional Committees
And a project must:
1.3 Address a community issue or support a local community initiative
1.4 Provide benefits to the local community
2. SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS
2.1 Applications are welcomed from groups including: local community, self-help or voluntary groups and charities (including local branches of national charities) or individuals acting for the benefit of the local community, whose primary focus falls easily into one of the following categories:
a. Children/Youth
b. Health & Wellbeing
c. Fair Trade
d. Social Inclusion
e. Arts & Culture
f. Environment
g. 65+ Groups (age)
h. Active Lifestyles
i. Community Group
j. Co-operative
2.2 The group or project must be based in or benefit a community served by one of our stores and within the geographic boundaries of one of Scotmid's Regional Committees.
2.3 An independent reference will be required for applications of £250 or more. Please ensure that you obtain permission from your chosen referee before passing their details to us.
2.4 A successful grant may come in the form of money or Society vouchers or a combination of the two.
3. EXCLUSIONS
The following list sets out the type of groups and activities excluded by the Scotmid Community Grant.
Excluded Groups:
3.1 Groups other than community, self-help and voluntary groups – Groups which use their surplus for the benefit of an individual or business are excluded from Scotmid’s Community Grant.
3.2 Auxiliary groups of Scotmid, are generally excluded.
3.3 Overseas charities – Scotmid aims to support local communities and therefore overseas charities are excluded.
Excluded Activities:
3.4 Non-community projects – A group does not have to be a charity to apply, however, any project supported must benefit a community served by one of our stores.
3.5 Overseas activities – Scotmid Community Grant will not support projects for the benefit of communities overseas.
3.6 Religious worship – Applications from religious bodies will only be considered if there is a wider benefit for the local community.
3.7 Core activities of statutory services – Statutory services seeking grants for core activities such as a school improvements, libraries or essential hospital equipment are excluded. However applications relating to special projects for the benefit of local communities will be considered.
3.8 Party political activity – Applications to support fundraising, campaigning or any other activity associated with any political party will not be accepted.
3.9 Individual sponsorship – Applications to support individuals will not be accepted.
3.10 Travel and Accommodation – Requests to assist with travel and accommodation costs are excluded.
3.11 Ongoing Running Costs – Grants will not be awarded for generic ongoing running costs eg. rent, bills, staffing. Applications must be for one-off investments, purchases or events covered by the categories detailed on point 2.1 of the Successful Applications section.
3.12 Using the grant to pay for sessional workers such as instructors or speakers is excluded.
4. GRANT TERMS & CONDITIONS
The terms and conditions below set out the relationship between Scottish Midland Co-operative Society Limited (Scotmid) and you as an individual or your group. If you have any questions or would like help to fully understand the terms & conditions, contact the Membership & Community Team on 0131 335 4433 or email us at membership@scotmid.co.uk
4.1 Scotmid can ask you for extra information to support your application.
4.2 The amount we provide is final and we will not increase it if you overspend or have worked out your costs incorrectly.
4.3 If you do not spend all the grant provided, you must return any unspent money to us within six months of receipt of the grant.
4.4 Scotmid will not be responsible for any expenditure (on assets, equipment, or your project) you have incurred before you receive our letter confirming details of the grant provided.
4.5 From time to time, Scotmid may use your name and address in any publicity about the grant. We may also choose to advertise the award of community grants on our website or in the press, please advise if you are unwilling to agree to this.
4.6 Please seek Scotmid's approval before promoting the grant in all publicity relating to your project.
4.7 If requested, successful applicants must agree to provide a report on how their community grant was used and the benefits experienced by the local community as a result.
4.8 You must agree to co-operate with us on any follow-up visits.
4.9 Scotmid can ask you to return the grant in full if we find that you have used it for a purpose other than that set out in your application.
4.10 If any of the Society’s assets (such as marketing banners or props) have been provided you must return them to you to your local Scotmid or Semichem store and confirm to the Membership and Community Team that you have done so.
4.11 The Regional Committee’s decision on your application is final and they may choose not to answer any of your questions about the decision.
4.12 Scotmid may withhold all or part of the grant, or recover all or part of any payment from you, if we discover that:
− you have broken any part in this agreement;
− any information in the application form or a supporting document was incorrect or misleading;
− your group or the project ends for any reason.
4.13 Multiple applications – Only one application for the same event or one application per person/organisation may be supported in a 12 month period.
4.14 Where you have indicated that the grant will be publicised, the applicant must send the relevant publicity material to their Scotmid contact.
5. GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION
Please read the following carefully before completing and submitting your application. Your application will be considered by the Regional Committee in your geographic area.
5.1 Applications must be made at least eight weeks prior to when the grant is required. This time scale allows your application to be submitted to the relevant Regional Committee and for their decision to be actioned if a grant is to be awarded.
5.2 If you require any guidance or assistance in completing this form, please contact a member of the Scotmid Membership & Community Team, who will be delighted to help.
5.3 Please feel free to supply any additional information which you feel is relevant to and will support your application.
5.4 If your application is unsuccessful, you may be advised why and, if appropriate, whether you should consider re-applying at a different time.
