The VALidate Training Grants Fund aims to support small VCSE organisations across Leicester and Leicestershire to access accredited training that will strengthen their skills, knowledge and capacity and provide validation to the delivery of their projects, services and activities.
The fund is supported through local business sponsorship from the VAL Awards and is designed to complement, rather than duplicate, the training already offered by VAL.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Organisations must:
- Be a charity or community group.
- Operate within Leicester and/or Leicestershire.
- Have an annual income of less than £100,000.
- Be able to demonstrate how the training will benefit their organisation and the communities they support.
WHAT CAN BE FUNDED?
Specific accredited operational training courses. For example, first aid or food hygiene training.
Up to two places per organisation.
Maximum contribution of £100 per place (£200 maximum award per organisation).
WHAT CANNOT BE FUNDED?
Training already provided by VAL.
Conferences or networking events.
Qualifications requiring ongoing or substantial funding.
Retrospective applications for training already completed before approval.
PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Organisations must arrange and book training directly with their chosen provider.
Grants will be paid in arrears upon receipt of:
- Evidence of attendance/completion.
- Invoice and proof of payment.
- A copy of your constitution/ governing document that includes a dissolution clause.
- Copy of a recent bank statement dated within the last 3 months.
ASESSMENT
Applications will be considered by a panel comprising representatives from:
- VAL
- Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation
- A representative from the local business sponsors of the VAL Awards.
ASESSMENT
Applications will be assessed against:
- Organisational need.
- Benefit to the organisation and its beneficiaries.
- Value for money.
- Alignment with the aims of the fund.
- Organisations demonstrating the need for funding support and why they can’t fund this from other sources
The aim of the fund is to support local organisations to develop and deliver projects that strengthen communities, create positive opportunities and make a meaningful difference to local people.