When awarding grants, the trustees use the following criteria which are those set out at the establishment of the Trust. (Wording taken from the Trust Deed):
The Trust shall hold community assets in trust, such as property, shares and funds with a view to controlling such assets and distributing such funds for public benefit through an application and evaluation process.
Utilisation of income and volunteer activities shall achieve the objectives of the charity that are all purposes defined as charitable under the laws of England and Wales with special emphasis on promotion of activities for public benefit in and around the Parish and surrounding area of Halton with Aughton that encourages the social involvement of all individuals and voluntary groups within the community in the following ways, but not limited to:
- Improving and enhancing recreational opportunities and sporting activities
- Supporting energy associated measures delivery energy efficiency and carbon reducing technologies
- Promotion of conservation and enhancement of the natural environment for the benefit of the community
- Promotion of conservation, protection and improvement of land, buildings, other structures and artefacts of particular historic, architectural, archaeological or cultural significance.
Examples of possible projects as suggested on the Halton Lune Hydro website:
1. Improving and enhancing recreational opportunities and sporting activities.
Projects could include:
Improving children’s play areas, better sports provision for all age groups,
better provision of local allotments, improving walking and cycling routes to the nearby Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
2. Supporting energy efficiency measures and carbon reducing technologies.
The Parish Plan promotes the adoption and implementation of sustainability throughout the Parish and so the funding could be used to promote:
- Reducing home energy use by improving insulation, adoption of smart meters and thermostats, help with best tariffs, operating practices etc.
- Reducing home water use and protecting water resources for example rain water storage.
- Using sustainable home building materials and household products.
- Encouraging the use of appropriate renewable technologies such as heat pumps and small scale solar PV.
- Improved public and community transport.
3. Conservation and heritage
The parish has a heritage that extends back to the Roman era, and was important in both the Medieval period and the Industrial Revolution. Funding will be available to bring this wealth of material to life for residents and visitors alike.
Who can receive grants
Grants can be awarded to recognised non profit making organisations and groups based in and around the parish or benefiting the parish of Halton with Aughton. It is considered that those organisations and groups having a postal address within the rural areas named on the OS Map surrounding the parish qualify for consideration, i.e. Slyne, Nether Kellet, Over Kellet, Gressingham, Hornby, Farleton, Claughton, Caton Green, Brookhouse, Caton and Denny Beck. Applications received from organisations and groups based in the parish of Halton and Aughton will be prioritised. The Trust does not consider applications from businesses or individuals.