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Review of Grant Aid. Today’s agenda. Introductions Short presentation Group discussions Feedback from groups What next?. What we hope to achieve today Is:. A better understanding of the survey results. identify funding priorities for the future with less money
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Today’s agenda • Introductions • Short presentation • Group discussions • Feedback from groups • What next?
What we hope to achieve today Is: • A better understanding of the survey results. • identify funding priorities for the future with less money • shape proposals for future grant aid schemes
Background of current schemes • Last review in 2004 • Grant schemes under review: • Development • Support • Support to Youth Centres • Ground Maintenance of Outdoor Sports Pitches • Maintenance of Community Facilities
Local financial position Shetland Islands Council • Savings of £9.9m required in 2010/11 • Savings of between £15m – £17m required in 2011/12 • Head of Finance to review overall position – December 2010 Shetland Charitable Trust • Standstill budget in 2010/11 & 2011/12 • Total grant budgets for 2010/11 = £334,246 • Future grant aid budgets to reduce by 15%?
Economic Benefits of Grant Aid • 1,090 revenue grants awarded by Grants Unit in previous 5 financial years • Total project costs of £4,397,017 • Total grant aid of £1,969,064 • Total match funding of £2,427,953 • Majority of grant aid spent in Shetland economy
Community Benefits of Grant Aid • Improving quality of life • Sustaining rural communities and facilities • Supporting employment throughout Shetland • Assisting individuals and groups to achieve their full potential • Encouraging lifelong learning and volunteering
Initial consultation results • 430 questionnaires • 136 responses • 31% response rate • Statistics and comments received
Initial consultation results Question 1 Should financial support be made available for individuals as well as groups? Yes - 36.0% (49) No - 47.1% (64) Don’t know - 16.9% (23)
Initial consultation results Question 2 Should an assessment of bank balances held by the community groups be introduced for the new grant aid schemes? Yes - 55.9% (76) No - 29.4% (40) Don’t know - 14.7% (20)
Initial consultation results Question 3 Should future grant aid schemes continue to prioritise funding for groups that cater primarily or exclusively for children and young people under 18 years of age? Yes - 64.7% (88) No - 27.2% (37) Don’t know - 8.1% (11)
Initial consultation results Question 4 Should future grant aid schemes continue to provide a higher level of funding for umbrella bodies/Associations that have an agreed development plan for their group? Yes - 51.5% (70) No - 18.4% (25) Don’t know - 30.1% (41)
Initial consultation results Question 5 Should future grant aid schemes consider funding to amalgamated groups for a number of different activities? Yes - 43.4% (59) No - 17.6% (24) Don’t know - 39.0% (53)
Initial consultation results Question 6 Should future grant aid schemes continue to prioritise funding for groups that manage community facilities in Shetland? Yes - 69.8% (95) No - 10.3% (14) Don’t know - 19.9% (27)
Initial consultation results Question 7 What further assistance should individuals and groups be offered in order to secure more external funding? Main responses • More information and access to funding opportunities • More advice and assistance with completing grant applications • Continue with support and assistance of Community Work / Sport & Leisure / Grants Unit • Provide on-line database or guide on external funding • Hold regular training workshops or events to publicise funding opportunities
Initial consultation results Question 8 In the event of less funding how can grant aid schemes benefit more people and be more effective? Main responses • No changes - leave grant schemes as they are • Reduce grant percentages and/or maximum amounts • Less funding to groups with large reserves • Less funding for adult groups • Less paperwork: fewer schemes, simplify process, online applications • Groups to fund raise more and higher parental contributions • Increased scrutiny during application process and more emphasis on the evaluation of projects • Consideration of participation levels – funding to projects with most community benefit/people involved
Initial consultation results Question 9 Please use the space below to make any other relevant comments. Main responses • Keep the grant schemes simple and minimise demands on volunteers • Eliminate the percentage based approach to funding • Groups are already having financial problems • Grants schemes really help communities and provide value for money • Introduce longer term funding and better financial planning • Prioritise funding for remote and rural areas
What happens next? • Consultation – completed November 2010 • Draft proposals – agreed December 2010 • Final proposals – considered by March 2011 • New grant aid schemes - April 2011