Guidance on how to apply to the Rushmoor Together Fund

In response to the 2024 community unrest, we received funding from the Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government (MHCLG) to support community recovery efforts. We have allocated £80,000 of this funding to the Rushmoor Together fund. This focuses on building resilient and strong communities that foster a sense of togetherness and belonging and celebrates the diversity of Rushmoor.

Not-for-profit organisations working with communities or specific groups in Aldershot and Farnborough that focus on creating community cohesion and a sense of togetherness can apply for grants of up to £15,000. Grants greater than this may be considered, but please contact us to discuss first.

Applications are now open with funding awarded on a first come first served basis, until funds have been fully allocated.

What is Rushmoor Together

Rushmoor Together is about fostering community cohesion, improving wellbeing, and supporting economic resilience in Aldershot and Farnborough. The Rushmoor Together fund links directly to the priorities in the Rushmoor Together Plan. Please make sure that you read through this plan and that your project links to the priorities outlined.

We envisage Rushmoor to be a place where people from all backgrounds cultivate mutual respect and uphold shared values. Where people foster positive relationships and feel safe and secure within their neighbourhood. We would like Rushmoor to be a place where:

• There is a common vision and sense of belonging among all communities,
• The diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued,
• Similar life opportunities are available to all; and
• Strong and positive relationships exist and continue to be developed in the workplace, in schools and in the wider community

Who can apply

Applicants must:

• Be a non-profit group or organisation working with residents in Rushmoor
• Have a written constitution or mission statement
• Have a bank account associated to the organisation where grants can be payable to
• Be able to provide an up-to-date copy of their accounts or, as a minimum, a recent bank account statement
• Have a safeguarding policy. If you do not have one, please make it clear what your organisation or group will do to keep children or other vulnerable people safe during the implementation of the project

What must the funded project deliver

We encourage collaborative projects and joint events that support the Rushmoor Together Plan and bring people from different backgrounds and communities together to foster a wider sense of community and belonging. Proposals should consider how activities support integration, address feelings of loneliness and isolation, find commonalities through shared experiences and interests, and honour culture and heritage.

Applications must meet at least one of the following objectives:

• Build connections between diverse communities, particularly between people who would not otherwise come together
• Help to address tensions in the community, for example through creating safe spaces for open conversations
• Enhance critical thinking skills and resilience against misinformation, particularly among young people
• Encourage shared values across communities, for example by tackling a shared challenge or recognising the positive things that unite people

Projects could include, but are not limited to:

• Celebrating cultural diversity by hosting cooking classes, community music and/or dance sessions, arts projects, sports activities
• Encouraging people to take part in activities within their local communities such as walking, cycling or other physical activities
• Encouraging people to take in arts, culture, and heritage activities to increase engagement and integration

Key criteria assessment

Following eligibility assessments, the key criteria applications will be assessed on are:

• How the project will engage local communities and support integration
• Community involvement and lasting impact
• Value for money
• Deliverability, both financial and technical

Evidence of outcomes

Each successful organisation will be expected to provide an end of project summary to include information on activity delivered, uptake, outcomes and feedback from participants. Photos and videos that can be shared publicity to promote projects would be appreciated. Please make sure that any relevant permissions are in place beforehand.

Applications must demonstrate reasonable costs for activity and value for money, and any expenditure must be substantiated in respect of all costs.