Winter Cost of Living Support Scheme

As part of Hart’s Cost of Living response, we are running a winter support scheme aimed at local agencies providing help and support to individuals and families most in need. There is a total of £50,000 available. This is in line with our corporate priorities. 

Please see our Cost of Living Support Scheme privacy notice.

How to apply

The scheme is open until 14 October 2024

Please send any questions and request an application form to: hereforhart@hart.gov.uk

Eligibility

Organisations within the district boundary which may apply include (but not limited to):

• foodbanks / food clubs / food pantries
• community projects supporting vulnerable residents
• organisations that promote cookery skills on a budget
• family support / supporting families
• care organisations
• schools

Funding is aimed at local organisations and is not intended for nationally-funded organisations.

Applications will not be accepted from:

• for-profit companies that benefit the directors or shareholders of the company
• groups that have no formal constitution
• groups promoting a particular religious or political belief or activity, unless they are a faith-based organisation whose project benefits the wider community and the focus is not religious content.
• individuals

Approved applications need to be able to demonstrate what the money has been used for by providing clear figures on how it was spent. 

We anticipate the funding being used for such things as:

• cookery classes
• self-help skills projects
• money management / budgeting courses
• winter school holiday programmes
• health and wellbeing initiatives

This is not an exhaustive list.

Scoring criteria

• impact – demonstrating how well the funding requested will be used to achieve the greatest outcomes. To also assess if expenditure is realistic for project size and location.
• benefit to the community – demonstrating increased standards of living and wellbeing for residents in the district.
• target demographic recipients - demonstrating the need within the Hart community and how funds will be used to benefit our residents

Successful applications

Feedback to both successful and unsuccessful bidders will be provided. A grant funding agreement will be issued to successful organisations at this time. Hart will be reporting on successful projects via various media channels, including social media, and photos may be used.

In exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, Hart District Council may withdraw grants or postpone the grant scheme. This will only happen in circumstances where an agreement has not yet been signed for instance. Winners will be required to sign a privacy notice

Grants committee

The grants committee will meet to score all applications against the criteria outlined above. The panel includes: 

• Community Partnerships and Projects Manager
• Community Projects Officer

Projects supported from previous funding

The successful projects from the first funding round are:

• Young Carers
  'Cook & Eat' programme.  A project offering sessions in Hook and Farnborough for carers living across Hart.
  Awarded £3,697
   
• Fleet Phoenix Open Door Project
  A project providing help to residents in need of food, hygiene products, shoes, clothing and other day-to-day living support. Awarded £5,000
   
• Christians Against Poverty
  'Cook well for less'. A project for adults to learn essential life skills in a group, including how to cook nutritious, inexpensive meals. Runs in Fleet and Church Crookham.
  Awarded £1,000
   
• Yateley Industries
  Community pantry and warm space service. To ensure regular supplies for the constantly growing demand for support the pantry receives. 
  Awarded £5,000
   
• Darby Green Centre / St Barnabus Church
  Funding to provide equipment, complimentary drinks and supplies for their community hub. This also has other agencies attending to provide wellbeing support to the residents of Yateley, Blackwater and beyond.
  Awarded £1,400
   
• Over 55s Forum (Hartley Wintney)
  Funding to support social events. The Forum helps people remain independent in their own homes and provides opportunities for social contact.
  Awarded £1,000
   
• Hartley Wintney Women’s Institute
  A new cooker for the WI and other community groups to use.
  Awarded £1,000