The Community Council of Shropshire (CCS) administers a number of grants to the voluntary sector for individuals, groups and established organisations. Grants are administered by different teams within CCS who will help guide you through the different requirements of individual funders. You can access the websites of the major funders by clicking the links found in the drop-down menu above.
You might like to think about ways in which your organisation could make better use of its existing money and the Community Council of Shropshire is able to offer advice on each of these.
Tax Effective Giving »
Energy Efficiency »
Loans »
The 'Giving Campaign' is an independent, national campaign support by the voluntary sector and the Government. Its aim is to increase the amount of money given to UK charities and to encourage a culture of giving in the country.
The Giving Campaign promotes four major text effective schemes that can add significant amounts of money to the donations your charity receives:
- Gift Aid
- Giving Shares to Charity
- Payroll Giving
- Legacies
For further details visit www.givingcampaign.org.uk » (This link will open in a new browser window)
Your organisation may be able to save money on fuel bills by taking action on energy efficiency. A few simple measures could free up valuable resources.
Marches Energy Agency (MEA) provides information on energy efficiency in community buildings and the voluntary sector.
For details visit www.mea.org.uk » (This link will open in a new browser window)
Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) provides free advice on how to reduce fuel bills and make you home warmer with grants, discounts, low cost and free measures. Call 0800 512012 for details.
For EEAC information for Shropshire, Herefordshire and North, East and Central Staffordshire visit:
www.telford.gov.uk/energy » (This link will open in a new browser window)
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) promotes a number of initiatives to encourage energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean fuels. For details visit:
www.est.org.uk » (This link will open in a new browser window)
It is possible for some voluntary organisations to borrow money to meet a cash flow shortfall, or to set up a revenue-raising profit for example. Some voluntary organisations have assets, such as property, that can be used as security against a loan.
The Voluntary Sector Support Unit (VSSU) at the Community Council of Shropshire holds information about the type of loans available and where to go for help. For details, call the VSSU on 01743 360641.
Before you start your loan application, you will need to check that your organisation's Constitution, Memorandum and Articles of Association or Trust Deed allow you to borrow money. If not, you may be able to amend the original document, but you will need to check with the Charity Commission on 0870 333 0123.
If you do decide to go ahead with the loan, you should:
- Have up-to-date and accurate figures about your financial position that, ideally, have been checked by an independent examiner.
- Have checked the documentation relating to current funding arrangements
- Checked whether your organisation has the power to borrow money
- Checked all the small print provided by borrowers
- Ensured that all Trustees and/or Company Directors are aware of their liability, especially in respect of defaults on the loan. If your organisation does not own any assets, personal guarantees from individual Trustees or Directors may be required.
This page was last updated on: 12th April 2006