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Sheffield - where everyone matters

First Steps Fund

The First Steps Fund covers grants up to £500 for community activities benefiting local people over 55.
 
We sponsor this fund jointly with Help the Aged.
 
 

Can we apply?

Yes, providing that at least 75% of the beneficiaries will be aged over 55 years old and you fall into at least one of the following categories
 
  • You are a new community or self-help group;
  • You are an existing group but you want to develop a new activity;
  • Your group has not applied to the Council for a grant before.
 
We usually expect a member to make the application on behalf of the group, but we may be able to consider an application completed by someone else if, for example, all your members are living in residential care.
 
You do not need to be a registered charity or have a constitution to apply, but you must have a bank account in the name of your organisation and at least two people (not related to one another) must sign every cheque or withdrawal.

What can we ask for?

Up to £500 towards a wide range of costs and activities, including room hire, speaker/tutor costs, special events, festivities and open days, publicity materials, admission fees and trips. There are set rates for some items as follows:
                                          
  • a trip - we will give a grant of up to £175 providing this is to help disabled people or people with mobility difficulties to go on the outing.   
 
  • speakers or tutors - we will pay up to £30 a session depending on the charge and experience of the speaker/tutor.
 
If you are a membership organisation we expect your members to make a small contribution towards running costs and activities.  We recommend a weekly contribution of at least £1 per member.  You may also hold fundraising events (raffles, bingo, table top sales, etc.) to increase your funds.

When will we hear?

Normally by letter within two weeks of getting your application in to us.  If you are successful, your payment will usually arrive within three weeks of our decision letter.
 

If our project is successful what happens next?

This depends on what you want to do in the future, you may wish to apply to our Small Grants Fund or we may be able to advise you about other sources of funding.
 

How do we apply?

Contact us for an application form and further information:
 
Voluntary Sector Liaison Team
Town Hall, Sheffield S1 2HH
Tel: 0114 273 4113
 
We are also available if you need help to fill in your application or you want information to help develop your organisation.
 
For further information about Help the Aged visit their website.