Finding Funding to Employ Someone

Hello, again :-)

In one respect, you are absolutely correct - you are unlikely to get a Trust to give a grant for a salary.

But this really misses the point. It's not the manager's salary you want, as much as what the manager can achieve, and you might very well be able to find funding to support the activities of the Centre.

Your case will be further strengthened if you can develop a medium-term strategy to fund the centre sustainably. This might include, perhaps, some income from events held at the centre, room hire, community office facilities etc, and in all probability the largest slice from providing services in partnership with the Local Authority, in education (Life long learning, computer classes etc), social services (youth services, older people's day services), etc, or with the local Primary Care Trust (outreach clinics, sexual health, if appropriate, well-woman centres etc.

If you can demonstrate that there is at least a fighting chance of sustainability, grant funders are much more likely to assist.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Gerry

Gerry Beldon FInstF
Director, 26-01 CIC
www.26-01.com

Yes, its possible for a funder to cover a salary.

Your first port of call should be getting some help from your local council for voluntary service.
You also need to work out what staffing you want money for and exactly how much each will cost - including employer national insurance. And from 2012, employer contribution to pension (3%).

I never know with the community buildings schemes who actually gets the most out of it - the council, for shifting something they had to pay out for, or the community, who get lumbered with it but can decide better what to do.

Its a lot easier if you are a charity to get funds. But becoming a charity isn't as easy as it used to be.

Basically you'd probably need income from several sources. Community, renting rooms out, activities put on yourselves, maybe support from companies (but whats in it for them?), maybe support from charitable trusts.
Even Big Lottery Fund if your comittee will consider it - some won't on moral or ethical grounds.

Also be aware there could be a delay in getting enough money in - so you could end up with no staff for a time!
Plan, and plan hard. Taking on a building is a big responsibility.
Just be aware that its possible for a community centre to fail. Especially without council backing.

Martin
mart2306@hotmail.com