Grant Funding General Information

One of the objectives of Carnival is to raise funds for groups and organisations that benefit the community of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. Please ensure you read the information below to determine whether your organisation may be eligible before completing the application form.

Who may apply for Grant Funding?

• Voluntary groups and registered charities operating on a not-for-profit basis.
• The organisation must benefit the Leighton-Linslade community.
• Applicants should have a management committee or steering group.
• Applicants must have their own bank account, preferably with at least two signatories.
• Branches of larger organisations should have a separate bank account and a specific brief for activities benefiting the local community.

Who may not apply for Grant Funding?

• Individuals;
• commercial organisations, except where the grant would offset the cost of a service provided to Carnival;
• political groups;
• churches or organisations seeking funding for statutory obligations;
• schools, where the application relates to statutory educational provision;
• school associations/PTAs, except where the activity or project is extracurricular and the organisation has a separate bank account.

Carnival Ambassador nominations

Each Carnival Ambassador will be asked to nominate a group or organisation of their choice (Ambassador nominations can include schools or activities attached to Churches) which will be given a donation, the value of which to be determined by the Committee prior to the selection of the Ambassadors. These nominations are separate from the normal grant application process.

How much can be applied for?

There is no requirement for applicants to specify grant amounts. The amounts available will vary from year to year and will depend on the amount raised by Carnival.

The amount of grant funding to be approved will be decided by the Committee.

When and how to apply

The deadline for applications is 31 August each year. To apply, submit an application form which will be found here.

Application determination procedure

Applications will be considered by the Committee in accordance with the Carnival’s grant-making criteria and charitable purposes. Where applicable, the Committee will have regard to relevant Charity Commission guidance when assessing applications.

Written confirmation of the decisions taken will be provided within ten days of the meeting.

Successful applicants will be invited to a Presentation Evening, usually held prior to the Carnival Annual General Meeting in October. All successful applicants will receive a certificate, and payment will be made by bank transfer.

Leighton-Linslade Carnival reserves the right to amend any procedures and assessment criteria for grants at any time.