Grants criteria

The Thriving Communities Fund Micro and Project Grants are open to applications from all areas of the voluntary and community sector, delivering projects and services in Aylesbury Vale which aim to improve the quality of life for all Vale residents, in furtherance of our charitable objects.

In addition, Springboard Grants are available to support our residents with opportunities for wellbeing, education, training or employment.

Our charitable objects

  • to provide houses or hostels and any associated amenities for persons in necessitous circumstances upon terms appropriate to their means;

  • to provide for aged, disabled or chronically sick persons in need thereof houses or hostels and any associated amenities specially designed or adapted to meet the disabilities and requirements of such persons;

  • to provide services, advice or assistance upon terms appropriate to their means to aged, disabled or chronically sick persons in need thereof and provide any associated amenities specially designed or adapted to meet the disabilities and requirements of such persons;

  • to provide recreation or other leisure facilities in the interest of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life for the residents of the local authority area in which the company owns or manages housing stock;

  • to relieve poverty amongst the residents of the local authority area in which the company owns or manages housing stock; and

  • to maintain, improve or provide public amenities for the public benefit in the interests of regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation in which the company owns or manages housing stock.

Grants criteria

The Thriving Communities Fund grants criteria is focused on three areas as follows:

  • Our social purpose in delivering ‘Homes for Living, Communities for Life’.  This includes safe, thriving communities which encourage high levels of resident involvement. Community Micro or Project Grant applications within this category should aim to:

    • Encourage local community participation and volunteering

    • Increase the confidence of local communities, supporting them to identify local solutions to local problems

    • Help all communities get on well together

    • Improve community cohesion between both new and existing communities

    • Provide support for community participation and engagement

    • Provide facilities in new and existing communities

    • Reduce levels of disadvantage, including social and geographical isolation

    • Improve the safety of local people, particularly where these help to safeguard vulnerable adults and young people.

    • Help to reduce levels of crime and the fear of crime - community clean-up/projects that help to improve security and safety in local areas, contribute to a reduction in anti-social behaviour, or provide diversionary activities.

    • Help reduce the harm caused by alcohol or drug misuse

    • Raise awareness of road safety or safer driving

    • Raise awareness of fire safety, particularly in vulnerable households

    • Support families and vulnerable people

    • Develop workforce skills and improve employability

    • Bring additional funding into the proposal from external sources

    • Enhance and protect the local environment, improve green spaces in towns and villages or reduce littering.

    • Tackle climate change through reducing carbon emissions and implementing sustainable energy solutions

    • Reduce waste, reuse resources, increase recycling or recover energy

  • The overall enhancement and development of the Health and Wellbeing of Aylesbury Vale Residents. Community Micro or Project Grant applications within this category should aim to:

    • Help individuals live healthier, longer and happier lives by encouraging participation in cultural and sporting activities

    • Reduce smoking and obesity, encourage healthy eating

    • Help people to reduce or manage stress and promote mental health

    • Reduce health inequalities through supporting families with budgeting advice

    • Target particular groups at risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes

    • Reduce homelessness

    • Improve the quality of life for our ageing population by providing activities, support and reducing isolation

    • Provide positive activities and encourage achievement for children and young people

    • Aim to connect communities by improving access to services

  • Support our residents with opportunities for wellbeing, education, training or employment. Springboard Grant applications within this category should aim to:

    • Enhance the study potential of our residents in education (full time and part time)

    • Encourage personal development in a particular field

    • Improve confidence in either study or employment

    • Enhance the development of our residents within a particular employment/study role.

    • Provide the opportunity of participation within an activity/study/job that would otherwise be inaccessible to the applicant.

    • Help residents to sustain their tenancy in some way.