Funding

Regular updates and commentaries on funding are provided within the DirectSupport|online service, and Experts Online will provide funding searches and advise on strategies and sources. We also help with developing plans for funding, sustainability and business planning.

Funding and funding sources is a huge and constantly changing area. The list of funding resources and suggestions is vast, but here are some tips as a starting point.

Funding will depend on:

Your target group

Your location

Your legal status and eligibility for the fund

The type of activity you are proposing

Proven need

Competition in providing similar services locally

Successful UK online centres often combine a range of sources and a range of different types of revenue. Consider:

Learning funds, for delivering training such as learndirect and college courses

Trusts and grant-givers which focus on specific activities, locations, beneficiaries or causes, any of which may use ICT

Resources provided by partners

Resources provided by volunteers

Sponsorship and private givers

Trading, sale of services, rent out of facilities, contracts for services

Becoming a fully fledged Social Enterprise

Knowing the current context
Keeping up to date with the current funding climate is vital if you are going to keep abreast of opportunities. There are 'fashions' and trends in funding as in everything else. Make sure you have ways of knowing what's up and coming, and what all the inevitable acronyms mean. Here are some pointers:

Could your centre become a Social Enterprise?
Much government funding now looks to delivering public services through the voluntary sector, and strengthening VCS activity. Examples include Futurebuilders and the Connecting Communities Plus grants programme will provide funding for activities which encourage race equality and community cohesion. The Home Office's Active Communities Directorate has published Change Up which lays out how over £70 million will be channelled into VCS development up to 2006.

There is some interest in the potential of UK online centres to become community-owned social enterprises, trading (selling services or broadband access) to generate revenue, and charging sectors who can afford to pay (e.g. small businesses who may use the centre's facilities and services). The Directory of Social Change has some useful information. DirectSupport mentors can help with your planning, and advise on sources of information, suitable legal structures, and strategies. >>more

Try the Social Enterprise London site: www.sel.org.uk for useful background and publications, and an active member network at www.can-online.org.uk

Regeneration and renewal funding:

Check your eligibility for government regeneration funding

Can you get Neighbourhood Renewal funds?

Can you get area-based funds for a wide range of initiatives on different themes?

You can find out what area based funding is available in your area by looking at the regional map maintained by the Regional Co-ordination Unit

Funding Stakeholders:

Where is your Government Office? Find out here

Where is your Regional Development Agency Office?

Do you have a Local Strategic Partnership?

Who is your Learning and Skills Council?

How can the Countryside Agency help? Look under 'Rural Communities' & 'Special Projects' in the 'Our Work' section

Is there funding from DEFRA?

All links present and correct as at 10:04:06

Collaboration : DirectSupport subscribers can log in to ask our Experts Online to interpret and discuss these opportunities, and ask specific questions on these and other funding issues. We have over 1500 funding sources listed for you to search through. Or you can simply ask a question, giving us as much information as possible about your plans, target group, and location. You can also share ideas with others on the network.