Tender Specification

Voluntary Action Calderdale is seeking applications from front-line voluntary/community groups, based and working in Calderdale, to bid for £5k funding.  There are four awards available made possible by a grant from Calderdale Primary Care Trust.

The purpose of this funding is to support groups, working in the area of health. The aim of this funding is to support organisations in their overall management and service delivery.  This funding can be for new or existing activities. If successful you will be required to enter into a service level agreement with VAC, which will include the following specific tasks:

• Organisational Health Check (OHC)
• Undertaking a development plan, based on the OHC
• Attendance at identified training and one-to-one support sessions (where relevant), based on the plan.
• Attendance monthly meetings with other successful applicants to discuss progress, issues and share good practice.

Extra funds of up to £500 per successful application will be allocated to support the implementation of the development plan (eg to fund training courses) in addition to the £5k.

Payments of the £5k will be made in two stages – 50% up front and 50% on completion of/satisfactory progress towards key milestones within development plan.  The £500 to support the development plan will be paid upfront.

Eligibility

• Your organisation must have been running for at least one year.
• Your organisation must work on health-related activities within the local community (physical and/or mental health).
• Your annual income must be less than £20k per annum
• Your organisation must a not-for-profit making organisation with a governing document (eg memorandum and articles, constitution etc.)

Higher priority will be given to groups/organisations who meet all eligibility criteria.

Priorities to be met by this funding include:

Preventative activities for: Mental health, Alcohol, Obesity, Depression.

Work to reduce isolation within communities

Work with those suffering from Long Term Conditions

Advocacy services

Applications

Please supply a written application of no more than two sides of A4, which provides the following information and answers two basic questions.

• Name and address of organisation
• Year organisation established
• Type of activities you currently deliver
• Ability to currently involve your organisation in commissioning processes (you do not have to be capable of this at present but if you are please supply basic information).
• Number of trustees/management committee members
• No of paid staff
• No of volunteers

• What you would use this funding for?  eg to continue your existing service beyond current funding, to develop and or pilot a new project.  Please highlight any activities that match the priorities of this funding.

• What difference will this funding make to the sustainability of your organisation?

On a further sheet of A4 please provide a budget breakdown of your application.  Please remember that the maximum amount you can ask for is £5k.  Capital (e.g. purchases of equipment) and revenue (core/running) costs are eligible within this funding.

Incomplete applications will not be considered for the short-listing process.

Application checklist:

1. Written application (no more than 2 sides of A4)
2. Budget breakdown

All applications should be submitted to Joanne Bolland, via email only (hard copies will not be accepted).  Email address: odm@cvac.org.uk clearly marked ‘Tender Application’ in the subject heading, by no later than 5pm on 20th June 2008

If we invite you to the next stage of this process we will ask you to supply a copy of your most recent annual accounts and a copy of your governing document.

If you require support in submitting your application please contact Olivia Swingler at VAC on 01422 348777 or email Olivia@cvac.org.uk