For Groups
Guides and information to support the smooth running of your group
Governance
Here you will find the elements to support your leaders run the group smoothly and effectively.
Managing Resources
Here you will find information about funding, fundraising and donations.
Volunteering
Here you will find information and resources on how to create and maintain an effective volunteering programme
Running Your Organisation
In this section you'll find advice on making your services and activities happen.
Funding Support
Be aware that you will need to consider probably a 16-week/ 4-month lead time before your event. For example:
- Events/projects in August - start in May
- Events/projects in September - start in June
- Anything Christmas - start in August/September
What We Can Do:
- Provide template policies.
- Help formalise your idea into a project.
- Offer advice on consulting with your team.
- Assist in creating project outcomes.
- Give advice on monitoring or evaluating your project.
- Review your written materials.
- Help you understand funder/panel feedback.
What We Can't Do:
- Conduct a funding search for you.
- Write or submit the bid for you.
Funding Search Engines:
Check criteria before signing up. Use these tools to find funders.
Need some help?
Complete the form on the button below and the appropriate team member will be in touch.
Warrington Charities Trust
With three rounds a year, WCT is Warrington's most consistent funder.
Check out the criteria before applying. Read more on the button below.
Templates
Below you will find all our policy and document templates for you to adapt to suit your group. We are always happy to help you adapt them or read before you adopt them
Thinking of becoming a CIC?
Some information and document links you need to explore and then complete to be a CIC.
Some things to think about when considering if CIC is right for you:
- This is running your own business and therefore you will be expected to do all the elements of running a business (unless you pay others).
- There are ethical considerations and limitations on utilising volunteers for a CIC, it is a business, and it would be unethical to have a company using 'free' labour.
- Whilst open to grant funding, CICs are heavily scrutinised by funders.
- You will be taxed on all income (including grant funding and fundraising).
Some things to think about if you are looking to apply for grant funding as a CIC:
- You should have at least three directors for transparency and due diligence in decisions.
- There should be no directors with significant control (part of the registration process).
- No directors should be connected by familial, romantic, or business partnerships.
- If you are working for a cause with people experiencing something specific, you must prove strongly how they are involved (one of your directors perhaps).
- Your CIC should not be solely reliant on grant funding, you must have some element of trading/income generation
- If you are going to pay your directors, you should consider what would be a reasonable/proportionate wage for the work you are doing.
Registration
Your Governing Document
Most organisations (in our experience) are likely to use this document - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e4e75ced3bf7f39392d6b2c/model-articles-of-association-limited-by-guarantee-small-membership.doc
The form to apply/convert the company to a CIC
This is the document where you prove you are community focused - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663ccc4eae748c43d3793841/form-cic36.docx
Completing the form online
The beginning of the online application - Are you starting a new application? - Set up a limited company and register for Corporation Tax - GOV.UK
Submitting your finances
Recently Companies House altered how they will accept submissions and are expecting your finances to be shared through specific software. Here is the 'quiz' on the finance submissions - https://www.gov.uk/software-company-accounts