MY PROJECT FUNDING 

Start Your Own Project 

Have you got an idea that will bring people together and benefit the local community? Perhaps you have the idea, skills and motivation but not the financial backing to bring your project to life.  

We can help you – with over 30 years of experience working as a charity in the voluntary and non-profit sector, we can support you through the process. 

Starting a Project 

Starting a community project can be a rewarding and challenging experience. However, before you dive into it, there are some things you should consider to ensure the success and sustainability of your project. Here are some tips to help you plan and execute your community project: 

• Identify the needs and interests of your community. What are the problems or gaps that your project can address? Who are the potential beneficiaries and stakeholders of your project? How can you involve them in the planning and implementation process? 
• Define the goals and objectives of your project. What are the specific outcomes and impacts that you want to achieve? How will you measure and evaluate them? What are the indicators and criteria that will show your progress and success? 
• Develop a realistic budget and timeline for your project. How much money and resources do you need to carry out your project? Where will you get them from? How will you manage and account for them? How long will your project take to complete? What are the milestones and deadlines that you need to meet? 
• Build a strong team and network for your project. Who are the people who can help you with your project? What are their roles and responsibilities? How will you communicate and coordinate with them? How will you resolve any conflicts or issues that may arise? 
• Promote and publicize your project. How will you raise awareness and interest about your project among your community and beyond? What are the channels and platforms that you can use to reach your target audience? How will you showcase your achievements and share your learnings? 

Starting a CIC 

A CIC is a Community Interest Company, a type of social enterprise that operates for the benefit of the community rather than for private profit. A CIC can be set up as a company limited by guarantee or by shares, and must have a clear social purpose that is regulated by the CIC Regulator. A CIC can raise funds from grants, donations, loans or equity, but must use its assets and profits to further its social mission. 

What is the difference between a Charity and a CIC? 

A charity is a non-profit organization that has exclusively charitable purposes and is regulated by the Charity Commission. The main difference between a CIC and a charity is that a CIC can engage in commercial activities and pay dividends to its shareholders, as long as it meets the community interest test and complies with the asset lock. A charity, on the other hand, cannot distribute any profits to its members and must apply all its income and assets for its charitable purposes.