Section 137 – Helping Those in Need
I posted a question on Facebook recently asking: Do you know about S137 Grant Funding? Would you be happy for your parish or town council to add £10 to your annual council tax bill that was ring fenced ONLY for local community groups that focus on the parish community?
Currently the poll has had over 1,000 views, 8 said Yes, 15 have said No, 11 said Explain more… This is a good result for someone like me who champions S137 funding, as it is not well known and it’s logical that people will want to know more.
So many small community groups struggle to get funding because they find it difficult to explain themselves to potential funders. They don’t always meet the criteria set and establishing the criteria is not always easy. Potential funders often keener to promote their brand than spend time making obvious what is needed for a successful bid. This results is, those not mad keen on admin looking at it, reflecting on the reward for effort, choose to focus on what they do best, delivering their service.
This essentially means they are always financially strapped.
Now, you’d like to think, a parish councillor will likely have their ear to the ground. They will know their area and which community groups could benefit from some financial assistance. They can help the community groups create the story for their application that will give their submission the best chance of being supported by fellow Cllrs.
Just recently I visited a community group, in my capacity as Clerk of Greenham Parish Council, and they shared the work they were doing. One aspect triggered a thought, I suggested a course of action and this resulted in them receiving a S137 grant of £2,500 which was match funded by Greenham Trust and will result in significant benefits to the local community.
Many hands make light work. I understand there are those who don’t want to pay more tax and there are those, usually those with the least reserves, who are happy to help others.
What’s great about the survey is there are those ready, willing and able to listen… to try and get their head around how S137 works and how it might add value to their community.
More on this topic in a week or two…
Thank you.
Jon Davey
Community Champion
