northern rock foundation

Making an application

First check this list
• Applications should fit into one of our programmes. Does your proposal do this?

• Are you sure that neither the organisation nor the purpose for which you want a grant is excluded?

• Do you want to apply for a loan? If so please go to the loans section and download the guidance and application form.

• Have you checked our map? Are you in our area of interest?

• Are you applying for the salary of a new or existing post? If so please read our additional guidance on employing people, which you can download here.

How to apply
• The Foundation has two different application forms. The first is for requests for between £1,000 and £15,000 and the second is for requests for over £15,000. Make sure you have the correct form.

• Complete the correct application form using the notes provided in the application forms section.

• Make sure you attach all the required materials. Failure to supply the right information will delay the processing of the application.

• Keep copies of all material, including the application form, for yourself.

• Send the completed application form and required materials to us.

• Currently the Foundation is unable to accept any applications made by email.

What you must send
• The fully completed application form.

• A copy of your current year’s budget and most recent management accounts.

• A copy of your most recent audited or independently examined accounts. If you do not have management or audited accounts because you are a small organisation, a copy of your financial record book will suffice. If you do not have any of these because yours is a new organisation, tell us so in your accompanying letter.

• A copy of the section in your Memorandum and Articles or Constitution, or your terms of reference which tells us what are the objects of your organisation and the dissolution clause which explains how any money would be distributed should the organisation close.

• A budget showing the amount you are requesting from the Foundation, the overall project cost and information about applications to other funding sources. Please ensure your budget is correctly calculated and that the amount you are requesting can be justified by reference to the budget.

• For charities awaiting registration, a copy of relevant correspondence with the Charity Commission confirming your application to register as a charity.

If you are applying for more than £15,000 you will also need to support your application with a brief supporting statement (no more than two A4 pages) describing:

• your own organisation, its aims, its management procedures and its experience which qualifies it to take on this project;

• the need your project is attempting to meet and evidence of its importance, scale and urgency;

• what exactly you plan to do and how;

• how that will meet the aims of the grant programme under which you have applied. For example, if you apply under Prevention you will need to explain how your idea will stop social problems from developing or getting worse, or if you have applied under Regeneration you will need to show how your idea will improve people’s economic prospects;

• how, if the programme requires it, you can demonstrate a level of user involvement in the design, planning, management and service delivery;

• how you will evaluate the project, i.e. measure its success, learn from your experience and perhaps share the lessons with others. If you are asking for core funding tell us how you regularly review and develop your work. We will provide some guidance on evaluation if you receive a grant, and will ask only for what is appropriate to your organisation and the size of the grant;

• the timetable for the project;

• how, if appropriate, you would continue when a Northern Rock Foundation grant expires.

Information should be accurate and comprehensive. If something essential is missing we will ask you to supply it and the processing of your application will be delayed.

You may also enclose a small sample of supporting or illustrative material that gives us a flavour of your organisation. Bear in mind that we will be unable to read large quantities of extra material so consider carefully what you enclose to make sure it is concise and helpful. We can only return originals if you enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

What will happen next?
We will acknowledge your application and let you know straight away if it is ineligible. If it is eligible, we will tell you which staff member will assess it. This person will be your main contact should there be any queries and will prepare a short report about your request for one of our regular Trustees’ meetings.

For main grants (amounts over £15,000) we aim to give you a decision within six months. For smaller grants (amounts under £15,000) we try to respond within two to four months. Please avoid telephoning to enquire about progress. However do let us know by letter or e-mail if there are material changes to the project or if, for example, another funder has agreed to contribute.

The assessment process will vary: most applications will require at least a conversation with you by telephone or in person. We may visit you or ask you to visit us. We may ask others about your organisation or proposal so let us know if there is anything confidential about your plans or situation, which we should not divulge.

Please remember that all foundations receive many more requests than they can help. Undoubtedly we will have to turn down many good applications.


	The Old Chapel Woodbine Road Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1DD Tel: 0191 284 8412 Fax: 0191 284 8413 Minicom: 0191 284 5411 click to email us