Feeling CONNECTED
Help people feel connected in YOUR neighbourhood
Let's Get Together! ...
Apply for up to £100
to fund something fun, small, informal and easy to organise
Funding your initiative
Feeling Connected provides grants to help with the set up and running costs for volunteer-led community initiatives that reduce loneliness and isolation across Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.
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Micro Grant - up to £100
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Local Connections Grant - up to £300 - You must have already received (or been approved for) the Feeling Connected Micro Grant to be eligible for the Feeling Connected Local Connections Grant.
Priority will be given to INFORMAL initiatives*. However, a small number of both of these Feeling Connected grants are also available for formalised groups/organisations**
Why we prioritise informal initiatives
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Small, informal 'grass-roots' initiatives are an essential part of creating opportunities for connection and belonging in our communities. We want to support as many as possible to get started and keep going
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Informal initiatives don't qualify for most other funding opportunities anywhere else.
*Informal means – an individual or small team of volunteers that have NOT become a formal group or organisation. E.g. you could be an individual resident or a group of friends or neighbours
**Formal means - a group or organisation with a committee/constitution and a separate bank account or a group or organisation with a 'legal' structure e.g. constituted group, registered charity, community interest company etc
Eligibility for Feeling Connected Grants
Your idea or existing community-based initiative:
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Brings people together
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Helps to reduce loneliness and isolation
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Creates opportunities for people to feel like they belong and feel more socially connected
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Benefits a community or neighbourhood within Chesterfield Borough and/or North-East Derbyshire District
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Is Volunteer-led - you and (your team of helpers if you have any) aren't paid for the work you do
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Is Not for Profit
How to Apply - Follow the 5 easy steps below and fill in the short and super simple online application form here> If you need help, please contact us.
Other Funding for Formalised Groups/Organisations
Feeling Connected is part of Derbyshire Voluntary Action. For current sources of other funding and support available for formalised groups and organisations visit dva.org.uk>
!!!! ALL Micro Grants for FORMAL groups/organisations in CHESTERFIELD have now been allocated !!!!
Ready to tackle loneliness and isolation in YOUR community?
Just follow these 5 easy steps to get started!
Check if you're eligible here>
01
Tell us about your ideas or plans
It can be a one-off event or something that brings people together more often
Tip - start small! Make it easy to organise, fun and informal
Don't have all the details worked out yet? Don't worry - we can help you choose something that will work for you and your neighbourhood
There are lots of inspiring ideas here>
Funds are limited and will be allocated to eligible applications on a first come first served basis - check if you qualify here>
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We'll contact you to talk about your idea and any other support you might need to get things started
We'll also let you know if your application has been approved and how long we will hold funds for you.
Not sure how best to use the funding on offer? We can help with 1:1 advice tailored just for you
We provide lots of other FREE support too - click here to find out more>
Tip - come to one of our free workshops or social events for inspiration and support from others who are passionate about bringing people together
03
Start organising and invite people to join in!
Not sure how? We can help you figure out what will work best for your idea/community
Use the Feeling Connected Logo to show that you're not just hosting a gathering or organising an activity - you're creating an opportunity for those who feel lonely to know they belong!
Want us to help spread the word for you on Facebook or Instagram? Tag/Mention us by typing @feelingconnecteddva anywhere in your post
See all the free support on offer here>
Tip - get others involved so you're not the solo hero! People like to feel useful and having a role to play helps build relationships and makes us feel more connected
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Save your receipts!!
You don't have to have a special bank account - but you WILL need to keep original copies of all your receipts/paid invoices.
Once you have them, we will reimburse your expenses. The amount will depend on which grant you applied for.
We will also ask you a few questions to understand the impact of your initiative and the funding you have received.
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Enjoy your Get Together!
We LOVE to hear your inspiring stories - let us know how it goes and send us a photo or two!
Email hello@feelingconnected.org.uk
And why not inspire others with a post on Social Media #feelingconnectedfamily
You can also tag/mention us by typing @feelingconnecteddva anywhere in your posts on Facebook or Instagram so we can share your great work too :)
!!!! ALL Micro Grants for FORMAL groups/organisations in CHESTERFIELD have now been allocated !!!!
PLEASE READ THE GUIDANCE AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ABOVE
BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
