What is the Community Funding Panel
Abri operates a range of grants to help local organisations which support our local communities to achieve their priorities, one of which is the ‘Community Fund’.
The aim of the Community Fund is to further Abri’s community objectives, supporting our customers and communities to help achieve and address their priorities, and ours - for example reducing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and improving the health and well-being of communities.
Applications can be made by local community groups, voluntary organisations, charities, not for profit and similar organisations who operate in our geographic areas.
All Community Funding applications are considered by the Funding panel, made up of customers and those living in our communities. This ensures customers and community members have a direct say in how funding is awarded to local organisations.
The panel meets to:
- Assess funding applications
- Discuss the potential impact of each project
- Agree funding decisions
- Set any conditions or follow-up requirements
Panel members receive the application papers around two weeks before the meeting, giving time to read and consider the information in advance.
Recent Funding Approvals
Recent projects supported by the Community Fund include:
- Blackmore Vale Charity – Funding their Family Hub, which includes an affordable food pantry alongside wider support such as debt and welfare advice, early parenting support, SEND support, mental health support, domestic abuse support and access to essential household items.
- Alder Trust – The Healthy Relationships Project – Delivering workshops in primary and secondary schools to promote healthy relationships and help reduce gender-based violence, dating and relationship abuse, sexual violence and gender inequality among young people.
Through the Community Funding Panel, customers help ensure funding goes to projects that truly benefit local communities.
FAQs
How often does the Community Panel Fund meet?
How often does the Community Funding Panel meet?
The panel meets quarterly (every three months).
How much time will I need to commit to being on the Community Funding Panel?
Approximately 2 hours every three months, plus time to read the papers in advance.
What time do Community Funding Panel meetings happen?
Meetings are usually held on a Tuesday evening.
Will I need to travel to be part of the Community Funding Panel?
The quarterly meetings are normally held in person but hybrid meetings where you can join online are also possible if you have any barriers to travel.
To help you attend in-person meetings, Abri will:
- Cover public transport cost
- Pay mileage for those who drive
We will always do our best to ensure you can take part in the meetings regardless of your circumstances.
What is the Community Funding Panel?
The Community Funding Panel is made up of Abri customers and people who live in our communities.
Its role is to review and decide which organisations receive funding from the Community Fund.
Applications can be made by:
- Local community groups
- Voluntary organisations
- Charities
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Other similar groups working in our areas
What does the Community Funding Panel do?
The panel meets to:
- Assess funding applications
- Discuss the potential impact of each project
- Agree funding decisions
- Set any conditions or follow-up requirements
Panel members receive the application papers around two weeks before the meeting, giving time to read and consider the information in advance.
How can I join the Community Funding Panel?
If you’d like to find out more, perhaps you’d like to join your local panel, call or email the Resident Involvement Team for a chat.
How to join the Community Funding Panel
We take every step to support residents who’d like to join with support such as training, IT advice, the use of accessible venues and help with transport or transport costs. There are also events and workshops in between.
All the panels seek diverse membership to reflect different towns and neighbourhoods, types of home or tenancy and age groups.
If you’d like to find out more, perhaps you’d like to join your local panel, call or email the Resident Involvement Team for a chat.