Q) Is my project eligible?

A) The Foundation generally considers applications for capital projects or costs. We are unable to fund core / running costs, including project overheads such as freelance fees, venue hire and travel costs. Our funding is aimed at registered charities or constituted community or sporting groups. Social enterprises, which are registered charities, can apply. We are not generally able to support Community Interest Companies, Community Benefit Societies, Co-ops or sole traders.

Q) What is the Foundation’s geographical reach?

A) We support projects which make a positive difference to communities in the North East and Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Q) Where do I get an application form?

A) You can fill out a pre-application on this website. Alternatively you can email sarah@gebfoundation.com

You will receive feedback relating to a potential application.  The Foundation Manager will email an application form for your completion if your project fits with the charity’s criteria.

Q) How can I get help with an application?

A) We do want to make the application process as easy as possible.  Contacting the Foundation Manager for an informal chat about eligibility and advice on planning your application will assist you to provide a quality application.

You can also watch our top tips video on the application page.

Q) Do you require a hard copy of the application form?

A) An electronic version of the application form is preferable but a hard copy is also required duly signed by an authorised person within the charity/organisation. 

Q How do you decide who gets awards?

A)  Every application is assessed by trustees at Applications Meetings.  Awards are made based on the project fitting with the criteria of the Foundation, as detailed on this website.  The Foundation is keen to fund projects which are well-managed and can provide a proven track record in the community they serve. 

Trustees are also interested in funding groups/charities which are pro-active in their own fundraising activities.   The Foundation is limited to an annual budget.  There are many applicants over the year and, unfortunately, we will not be able to assist every project.  Please bear this in mind when completing your application as a quality approach will catch trustees’ attention.

Q) Do you require to see financial accounts?

A) Yes.  We will require to see copies of the last 3 year’s financial statements.

Q Can I apply for salary and/or overhead costs?

A) No. We do not consider funding running costs or salary/wages overheads.  We are also generally unable to consider training costs, including volunteer training. 

Q) Do you fund individual sponsorship?

A) No.  The Foundation does not enter into individual sponsorship agreements.

Q)  Do you fund retrospectively?

A) No.

Q) Are there any other exclusions?

A) Sorry, we are unable to consider routine repairs and maintenance. We are also unable to fund the promotion of religious or political belief, general circulars, research, animal welfare, start-up costs, grant-making charities and projects generally understood to be the responsibility of a statutory authority.

Q) How soon can you reapply for another award?

A) Generally, you will require to wait one year before reapplying.

Q) Is there a minimum amount you can apply for?

A) Awards vary from £100 up to £25,000. Awards over £1,000 require more investigation and are usually discussed at the board’s applications meetings.

Q) Can I get funding for more than one year at a time?

A)  Yes, funding can be given in tranches over a number of years, the timing to be decided by trustees on the individual merit of the project concerned. 

Q) Is match funding required before I apply?

Match funding has become a key priority when trustees are considering applications.  It is advisable to wait until substantial funds are secured prior to making a formal application.  As a guide, this should be at least 50 per cent of project costs, but this is considered on an individual basis relative to total costs. Projects with a high degree of community support are particularly welcome. 

Q) If I am unsuccessful, can I get some feedback on this?

A) Yes. Whoever assessed you application will be able to explain why funding was not awarded.

Q) What do I need to do if I have an award but can’t spend the money on what we’d planned?

A)  All awards are made for specific projects.  If you have received an award and are unable to do what you originally intended with these funds, it is important you contact us right away.   It may be possible for our trustees to change the award reason, or, if what you want to do with the money no longer fits with our priorities, you may have to return the award to us. If you are unable to spend the money, we will require to repatriate the funds.

Q) What if I need longer than originally planned to spend the money?

A) Projects can sometimes be delayed, so after investigation, an extension may be granted to our awards. If you think you won’t be able to spend the money within the allocated time, get in touch with us as soon as possible to discuss this further.

Q) If I receive an award, what sort of follow-up is there?

A)  A condition of every award is that a report is sent to us each year or on request at any time.  This is to ensure that the monies awarded are being used as originally planned.  It also lets us keep records of what is happening with the money we have awarded and the impact this is having on the people who benefit.

It is also a condition of an award to maximize publicity for the Foundation through the press, social media, website, literature etc.

WHAT WE FUND

 

The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation supports a huge variety of projects. Generally, applicants should demonstrate a sound management plan and a clear benefit to communities in the North of Scotland. 

Education and training

To assist educational and training initiatives which broaden horizons, promote responsibility and generally increase access or opportunity for young people.

 

Health

To support medical projects and promote good health practice, including healthy living and nutrition, good food making skills including Scots culinary traditions.

Care

To promote good citizenship and support the improvement and enjoyment of social and community welfare, from the very young to the elderly, the disabled and those in vulnerable and deprived situations.

Sports

To support amateur sporting activity, in particular those activities which encourage positive youth development.

 

Arts and heritage

To promote and support arts and heritage to widen opportunity, access and participation for all in these fields.

 

Conservation and the environment

To promote the conservation and preservation of our natural environment.

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