Application Criteria - Nexus
Nexus aims to fund small-scale project activity which responds to an identified rural community need for increased access to a service that perhaps those in more urban areas would take for granted. In particular, the fund is looking to enhance or create the following types of services:• health advice
• information communication technology
• counselling/support services
• leisure
• training and development
As primarily this fund is to support capital expenditure, priority will be given to projects that:
• adapt buildings or purchase equipment to provide new services
• establish or enhance outreach services to improve accessibility for rural communities
Projects will seek to implement solutions that address local service needs, have local support and suit local circumstances. Please note that this fund is to support new activities or a newly enhanced extension to activities, not to continue existing work.
Projects will need to demonstrate that they have, or will have at least 25% (50% for an independent retailer) of the total costs of the project to contribute as match funding.
Applicants will also need to demonstrate that there is local support for the project and does not conflict with any local services.
Priority will be given to projects that can deliver one or more of the RRZ priorities. Projects will be required to produce evidence that these have been achieved and 25% of their Nexus grant will be dependent on receipt of this evidence.
WHO CAN APPLY:
Applications can be made by:
• Statutory agencies,
• Voluntary and community groups,
• Independent commercial retailers
• Service providers
Nexus will fund projects that enhance access to services for communities in RRZ wards. Priority will be given to voluntary organisations and community groups working with those who are disadvantaged or disengaged.
Community Groups will be expected to be constituted, have a terms of reference and a bank account (or be in that position before any grant is awarded) as an absolute minimum. However, applications will be encouraged from applicants with (or working towards) more formal structures, namely:
• Charitable trusts
• Development trusts
• A company limited by guarantee
Independent commercial retailers (principally village shops) will have to demonstrate that the improvements they are making are for the benefit of the wider community and are not just related to diversifying or enhancing their business.
Only one project will be supported in any given organisation. Therefore, for bigger structures such as statutory agencies, applications will not be accepted from multiple departments. Organisations will have to be in a position to commence their project within 2 months from the date of approval and able to complete project delivery within 12 months (or by 31 March 2009 if a project is funded in the last year).
Organisations must be able to keep clear audit trails to support any grant related expenditure for 10 years and be willing to participate in progress visits and provide the necessary evidence to draw down funding.
The Nexus and WMRCCN logo will have to be included on all publicity relating to the project.
How to apply