Any applicant to an LCF fund will need to supply some key supporting documentation alongside a completed application form.
Preparing Your Application
This documentation is an important aspect of your submission and will support the LCF Grants Team to complete relevant due diligence on your organisation to ensure it is both an eligible and fundable organisation.
Key pieces of supporting evidence for a fund will be outlined both in the Fund Guidelines and Application Form for each grant, but our funds will generally require the following from each applicant:
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An up to date signed and dated constitution, articles of association or a set of rules – a document which tells us how the organisation is governed
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A local management board or committee (names and addresses) – must be at least two people who are unrelated, not residing in the same household
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A recent bank or building society statement in the organisation’s name with at least two signatories – from all accounts, and must be unrelated, not residing in the same household
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Up to date annual accounts or recent, annual income and expenditure account – where organisations have been running less than 12 months, we require at least 3 months of bank statements
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Other relevant policies and procedures (Vulnerable adults’ policy, equal opportunities) – must include safeguarding if working with vulnerable adults o children
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Quotes where applicable for items/work requested – 3 quotes for any item over £10,000 and 1 quote for items under £10,000
These are key criteria across all funds. Some funds may have other required documentation that is unique to the fund. Always refer to guidelines or application for required documentation or speak to the relevant Grantmaker for that fund for guidance.
Assessing an application
We use these documents to assess and review:
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Your latest audited accounts and financial sustainability
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Charity Commission/Companies House/Financial Conduct Authority filings (if registered) to ensure they’re up to date
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Bank account activity and safeguards for transactions
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Your governing document for clear charitable objectives, not-for-profit status and dissolution clause
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Your management committee to ensure good governance standards
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Policies to ensure appropriate support is in place to support your target demographics
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Quotes to ensure value for money of your bid is considered
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Previous grants from Lincolnshire Community Foundation to confirm monitoring and evaluation are complete
