SUBJECT to funding being available, East Grinstead Town Council is committed to providing assistance and support to local community groups which are set up to promote community life for East Grinstead residents. The Council’s financial support is provided by way of Grants which are decided against criteria set by, and which can be amended from time to time by, East Grinstead Town Council.

In order for the Town Council to be able to rationally and objectively assess applications, many of which will inevitably be totally dissimilar in content, it is both necessary and helpful to assess all applications received against a range of criteria. These are designed to be a general indication of need but are not exclusive and can be flexibly applied.

When considering Grants the Town Council will take into account the following guidelines.

1. Activities of the organisation or association should be readily available to the community in general.
2.  Membership should be appropriate to the activity and should encompass junior, senior, full and part-time residents and be available for disabled people if possible.
3. The range of activities undertaken and the programme of the organisation should be available for reference.
4. The current financial situation should be substantiated by either audited accounts or a business plan for a new organisation or group.
5. Groups and organisations will be expected to demonstrate self-help schemes in order to attempt to solve their own financial problems and/or meet their financial costs.
6. Groups and organisations must demonstrate that they have applied for financial aid for other sources.
7. Financial aid will not normally be offered to any commercial or national organisation, statutory body or group from outside the Town unless it can be shown that the local population will be able to derive some benefit from the services provided.
8. Individual applications from Scout and Guide groups, playgroups and other organisations with a local parent body will not normally be considered. In such cases, due to limited funds available, applications will only be considered when made by the District Association, West Sussex Pre-school Learning Alliance or other parent body, as appropriate. This will ensure that the initial prioritisation of such applications is undertaken by those with detailed knowledge of specific local needs and requirements.
9. Any youth organisations requesting a grant from the Revenue Fund must be affiliated to West Sussex County Council’s Youth and Community Service.