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At 4 Winds our mission is to support good causes to deliver for our communities.

We’ve developed a really simple application process with clear eligibility rules and funding guidelines. We appreciate how difficult it can be to run a community group or voluntary body, so our aim is to make the process as straightforward as we can.

Making an application is just 3 simple steps:

1 – check your eligibility below

2 – read the guidance on what we can and cannot fund

3 – complete and submit the application form

Your application will be considered by the Trustees who meet quarterly to review all funding bids and decide what we can support. This means some applications can take up to 3 months to receive a decision.

ELIGIBILITY

  • GROUPS & ORGANISATIONS – Applications are welcome from community groups, charities, voluntary organisations, sports bodies, community councils and other bodies. We cannot accept applications from individuals alone (must be part of a group or network) or fund any work which would normally be the responsibility of statutory funding.
  • PLACE – Your project must benefit people in at least one of our four communities – Auchtertool, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly & Lumphinnans. This means we cannot accept applications for Kelty, Hill of Beath, Crossgates, Cardenden, Lochore or Ballingry.
  • CONSTITUTION – Your organisation should have a constitution or written set of rules which you will need to send to us.
  • BANK ACCOUNT – Your organisation will need a bank account in the name of the group applying and you will need to evidence this in your application.
  • ANNUAL ACCOUNTS – If you have been established for more than 18 months, you will need to supply your latest Annual Accounts with your application.
  • PURPOSE – We can support bids for equipment, clothing, materials, travel, core overheads such as rent, heating and utilities, and other costs which might help the project or group be delivered. This can include small capital works on property which is owned by the applicant (proof will be required).
  • COSTINGS – Detailed costings showing evidence of competitive quotes will be needed for larger funding bids, so please have these available.
  • LEGACY – We want to support projects and groups which create lasting change in our communities so evidence of any legacy for your project will be beneficial in your application.

FUNDING GUIDANCE

  • Clear project descriptions with evidence of the need for the project and how it will support people in our area of benefit is essential.
  • There is no minimum level of funding, but it is anticipated that the maximum level of support will not normally exceed £3,000. Please speak to us if you are looking for more before you apply.
  • We are unlikely to fund the same activity or project on an annual basis so any new project should have clear evidence of future funding plans.
  • There are no match-funding requirements, we can support up to 100% of the project / group costs.
  • Check, re-check and check-again before you submit your application and documents. Delays caused by missing documents and information is common and can hold up a decision on your grant.
  • We issue awards by cheque, so please confirm the name of the group exactly as it appears on your bank statements to avoid unnecessary delays in payment.
  • If successful, you’ll be asked for an Evaluation Report which should include evidence of spend, including receipts and invoices, so please keep all payment evidence.
  • You should acknowledge your grant in your annual report, on social media or via the local press and we’ll seek evidence of this in your Evaluation Report.

READ AND DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDANCE HERE.

APPLICATION FORM

Our application form is straight forward and contains just a few questions on the necessary information to help explain what you want to achieve with 4 Winds funding.

DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE.

If you have any questions about your application before you complete the form, please get in touch via email and we’ll respond as quickly as we can: Admin@4Winds.scot

Ready to submit? Try our quick checklist before you send it off:

1 – Have you prepared a copy of your Constitution to send?

2 – Have you attached your latest Annual Accounts?

3 – Have you attached proof of your bank account?

4 – Have you gathered detailed costings and quotes for any major work?

5 – Have you completed all the questions on the Application Form?

6 – Are your contact details correct?

We wish you every success in your application to 4 Winds and promise to acknowledge your email and provide updates on decision timescales as soon as we can.