UK: Torbay Local Heritage Small Grant Scheme – Round 2

It will complement the ambition to celebrate and increase engagement with the area’s UNESCO Global Geopark designation for residents and visitors. Thanks to investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund they have at least £170,000 to distribute in small grants during 2023-2025.

Organisations and groups will need to explain how their idea will increase access and participation in heritage – and raise awareness of and celebrate – the UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

They welcome proposals which demonstrate an understanding of environmental and social responsibility. This may mean a proposal is environmentally responsible in itself (subject or theme), or simply reflects a sustainable and socially responsible approach to delivering the outcomes.

Grant Amounts

• Grants of up to a maximum of £5,000 for activity (e.g., events, temporary displays, lecture series etc) or up to £7,500 for capital (e.g., purchasing of permanent equipment, physical improvements to places) will be available. The minimum application, in either case, is £500.

What can the grants be used for?

• They want to support individuals, not-for-profit organisations, groups and societies, that want to undertake projects which improve the quality of life in Torbay. The funding is to support projects which meet both the following outcomes within the funded period:
  • A wider range of people will be involved in heritage (this is a mandatory outcome for The National Lottery Heritage Fund)
  • The local area will be a better place to live, work or visit (this aligns with the local strategies for culture and heritage)

Who can apply to this Scheme?

• Applications are encouraged from groups and organisations, whether or not they are constituted; for not-for-profit Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector groups and organisations within Torbay; or a combination of groups working together. They should be representative of their local area.
• Applications may be considered by organisations that are based outside the area if the sole benefit of the project is for communities within Torbay.
• Eligible bodies may be but not limited to:
  • Youth groups
  • Local heritage organisations, museums, and heritage societies
  • Constituted Neighbourhood Committees, Residents Associations, Community Groups and Voluntary Organisations;
  • Social Enterprises;
  • Community Interest Companies;
  • Community Benefit Societies; and
  • Charities and trusts.
• Consideration will also be given to applicants who are sole traders and small businesses provided the project is entirely for the benefit of the local community.
• Grant funding cannot be used to subsidise a business’s income or pay towards salary costs.
• Grant recipients will be expected to participate in evaluation of the grant scheme, which may involve responding to surveys or collecting information about their project to help them report to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more information, visit Torbay Council.