Handmade Halloween lanterns in Brill
Section 137 Grant Applications
Under Section 137 of the Local Government Act, the Parish Council can make modest grants to Brill organisations and public events. Here are the Terms and Conditions and a form to complete.
How to apply for a Section 137 grant
Section 137 refers to a section of the Local Government Act 1972 (opens new tab) whereby “a local authority may, subject to the provisions of this section, incur expenditure which in their opinion is in the interests of, and will bring direct benefit to, their area or any part of it or all or some of its inhabitants…” The maximum amount Brill Parish Council can offer under Section 137 is approximately £10 per elector per financial year - in total about £8k. This sets the absolute maximum; the council is also constrained by money available from the precept.
Under the regulations, grants come with strict conditions. First, grants cannot be awarded to individuals, only to organisations. Second, there must be evidence to show what the money has been spent on - for example, if the grant is to buy some equipment, the Parish Council (or our auditor) must be able to see the invoice. Third, there must be proof that the application is widely supported.
The Parish Council is always pleased to support local organisations and events, but legal and financial constraints mean that applications for grants should be clear, auditable and specific, with evidence to demonstrate support in the community, and at a modest cost to the taxpayer. Recipients of recent 137 grants include:
The Brill Society to help purchase audio-recording equipment for the Brill Oral History project
Bernwode Rural Shed to support this valuable new community group combating social isolation and loneliness
To apply for a Section 137 grant, please read the Terms and Conditions below and then complete the form. Grant applications are considered in the Parish Council’s monthly meeting. If you have any questions, contact us.
Please note that this form must be completed each time your organisation requires money from the Parish Council; money will not be given automatically each year.
Section 137 grant application
Terms and Conditions
Application
The amount of the award will be at the discretion of the Parish Council
All applications will be considered on their merits but, in general, grants will be awarded for capital projects, such as the purchase of equipment, works to buildings, improvements to premises. In addition the Council may support a community event, festival or other special event. Grants towards running costs, salaries or consumables, may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Grants will be awarded to voluntary groups and societies, clubs, not-for-profit organisations, and charities operating in Brill civil parish where the benefit will be for this area. Grants will not be awarded to individuals or to regional or national charities unless it is for a specific project in Brill parish or where there will be obvious benefit to the area or its residents. Grants will not be awarded to or for any commercial venture for private gain.
The purpose for which the grant is made must be in the interest of the area or to some or all of of the inhabitants of Brill parish. The benefit to the area or inhabitants must be commensurate with the expenditure. Groups from outside the Parish who can demonstrate direct benefit to Brill parish are eligible to apply.
The Parish Council will take into account any previous grant made to an organisation or group when considering a new application. All grants will be conditional upon submission of audited accounts and supporting documentation detailing costs of capital expenditure, project or events for which the funding is being sought.
Retrospective applications will not be funded where the expenditure had been made, the project has been carried out or the event has taken place.
Post-funding
All grant recipients are required to provide the Parish Council with a brief report, including photographs where appropriate, of how the grant has been utilised, how it has assisted the organisation or group and what it has achieved. This must be submitted within two months of the purchase of the capital equipment or completion of the project. In addition, the organisation should supply any such further information as the Parish Council may request regarding the impact of the project on the Parish Council's area.
If the grant is put to purposes other than those for which it was awarded without the prior approval of the Parish Council, the recipient organisation or group will be required to repay the grant to the Parish Council.
Recognition of the grant from Brill Parish Council must be made in any publicity.