Application process

The process

If your proposal is accepted, we will work with you to help decide which aspects of the programme will suit your needs best.

Check to see if you meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Step 1
  • Use our eligibility checker to see if your project meets the basic criteria for the Communitybuilders programme.

Submit your proposal.

Step 2
  • Get in touch to submit your proposal by -

Calling us on 0191 261 5200
Submitting an enquiry
Sending us an email

We will contact you to discuss your proposal further.

Step 3
  • We will ask you about your definition of neighbourhood, how you plan to generate income, how you empower your community, and how local people are involved in your organisation.
  • We will also request to see your business plan and supporting government/legal documentation.

If your proposal is accepted, we will work with you to figure out which aspects of the programme will suit your needs best.

Step 4

Development

For organisations that have ideas and need support with developing them and getting their project up and running.

  • We will work with you to evolve your ideas as well as offer guidance on project management and how to move forward.
  • You are allocated a Supporter from the Community Alliance who will work with you to undertake a needs assessment. Based on this assessment you are allocated a bespoke package of support which could contain, for example, one-to-one mentoring, peer leadership learning sets or help to introduce an impact measuring system.
  • You may be given a grant of £2,000 for staff development or training.

How the approval decision is made

  • The decision is made by an internal committee which meets on a weekly basis.

Feasibility

For organisations that need to develop foundations around governance, financial systems, leadership and core functions.

  • You receive support from the Communitybuilders business support team or you will be given up to five days of advice and support from external professional advisors.
  • You may be given a grant of £10,000-£75,000 for project development.

How the approval decision is made

  • The decision is made by an internal committee which meets on a weekly basis.

Investment

For organisations that are on the way towards financial self-reliance through the generation of unrestricted or earned income.

  • You are given a combination of loans and grants of between £50,000 and £2 million over a term of 6 months – 10 years. The interest rate for loans is fixed at 5% for the first 3 years.
  • You may be given a capital grant as part of your loan package. There are also revenue grants of up to £35,000 for capacity building, £3,000 for measuring social return and £30,000 for those working with housing associations.
  • You receive support from the Communitybuilders business support team

How the approval decision is made

Less than £200,000 - The decision is made by an internal committee which meets on a weekly basis.

More than £200,000 - The decision is made by an external committee, which meets on a monthly basis. Representatives from your organisation will be required to attend to present your case for investment.

More than £1m - The decision is made by our Board, which meets on a quarterly basis. Representatives from your organisation will be required to attend to present your case for investment.

Once we have identified the appropriate programme element for you we will make you a formal offer

Step 5