Big Society
Good for Essex
Angela Balcombe
Big Society Development Officer
Big Society Fund 2011 ~ 2012
• Launched in March 2011
• Funded by Essex County Council
• Builds on the success of the:
Community Initiatives Fund (CIF)
Retail Enterprise Fund
Making the Links Project Fund
• Capital and Revenue Funding
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Big Society Fund 2011 ~ 2012
Designed to fund community projects, and
activities that:
• create, procure or develop new community assets;
• enhance existing community assets;
• create or sustain initiatives or services that strengthen the
community that exists in our towns and villages.
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Localism
Whitehall
Applications must come from the
community / local groups
and…..
evidence that the project meets
local needs and that there is
community support must be
provided
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Town hall
Village
Hall
Community
Hall
Church
Hall
Scout
Hall
Who can apply?
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Town and Parish Councils, including Parish Meetings
Community Groups and Voluntary Organisations
Charities
Residents Associations
Neighbourhood Groups
Private Enterprises and Community Interest Companies
providing social benefits
Groups must be properly constituted, Essex-based and broadly
representative of their local community.
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Application Process
• Expression of Interest
• Quick Response
• Community Capital
• Application Form
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Assessment Criteria
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Community need
Support from your local councillor
Sustainability
Essex Priorities including improving the local environment,
access to services and supporting communities.
Match-funding
Community Impact
Risk to the scheme
Number of beneficiaries
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Oak Stores, Rivenhall
• Last shop in the Village
• Proposal to upgrade shop, introduce new produce and
reintroduce Post Office facility
• Population of 700 with new development likely
• Parish Appraisal carried out ~ 97% of respondents say this is a
vital facility.
• Anticipated cost ~ £15,000
• Match funding ~ £7,500
• Big Society Fund, Quick Response ~ £7,500
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Questions?
• www.essex.gov.uk/bigsocietyfund
• E-mail: bigsocietyfund@essex.gov.uk
• Tel: 01245 437887
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