Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

This was the annual report for the Community Grants fund for voluntary, community, and not for profit organisations. It provided an overview of the process, eligibility criteria and budget in Section 3 and Appendix 1 detailed the applications received with recommendations for 2021-22 awards.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Communities

      i.          Approved the Community Grants to voluntary and community organisations for 2021-22, as set out in Appendix 1 of this report, subject to the budget approval in February 2021 and any further satisfactory information required of applicant organisations.

     ii.          Approved the following grants for 2020-21 as detailed in Section 4:

a.    £15,000 – Cambridge Online (devices and data).

b.    £10,000 – Cambridge Sustainable Food (hygiene and food supplies).

c.    £20,000 – Cambridgeshire Community Foundation (Coronavirus Fund donation for City projects).

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Community Funding and Development Manager.

The Community Funding and Development Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.          Community grants were not specifically aimed at supporting projects that supported biodiversity. Projects may impact indirectly on environmental policy. Grants were awarded to projects that met assessment criteria. The Community Funding and Development Manager offered to liaise with Councillors about this after the committee.

     ii.          Officers actively monitored groups, funding applications and what funding could be given to support projects  that would make a difference for residents. The intention was to provide maximum flexibility in awarding grants.

   iii.          Officers worked with other teams to provide a joined up signpost on what funding was available so people could be directed to apply to another stream if one was unsuitable.

The Committee resolved by 7 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

Councillor Hadley did not take part in the vote.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.