Applications for Audlem Education Foundation Grants

AUDLEM EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Please note the next meeting of the Audlem Education Foundation is on Wednesday November 16th 2022

Closing deadline for applications will be Monday 14th November -- any applications received after this date, will be carried through to the February Committee Meeting

The Audlem Education Fund exists as a grant scheme that is intended to assist with the educational, personal development or elite sports costs, of the young people of Audlem parish. Set up by members of the Parish Council of the day, in the 1970s -- following the sale of the Old Grammar School building, on Vicarage Lane, Audlem.

These funds were invested. Three times a year, the interest earned is made available for distribution to the young people of Audlem on a case by case basis; most commonly towards the cost of residential/educational school trips, and university fees (or similar), but also to support Audlem Primary School with special projects that may not attract direct Government funding.

It is NOT a means tested grant -- but applicants must agree to share some personal data (address, phone numbers etc and bank details if successful) which may be deleted, on request, after the application is processed. Please ensure the permission boxes are ticked on the form in order for the application to be progressed as this is a legal requirement under GDPR.

The Audlem Education Foundation Committee meets three times a year; normally in February, July and November. Following each meeting any awards made are forwarded to Cheshire East Council who hold the investment in trust for the fund. Cheshire East Council pay the grants directly to the approved applicants. It can take a further few weeks to receive the money once notified of a successful application. All applicant are notified by letter of the committee's decision -- whether successful or not.

The next meeting of the Audlem Education Foundation takes place on Wednesday 16th November 2022. Any new applications for consideration should be received by the Clerk (Judy Evans :1 Shropshire St., Audlem.) by Monday 14th November. Provided they are in a clearly marked sealed envelope, they may be dropped off at Williams of Audlem shop (CW3 0AG) during opening hours.

Applications are only accepted on the official application form (click here https://www.audlem.org/lib/F526364.pdf ) proof of spending and/ or proof of attendance. Official school or college stamps on the completed forms, are also accepted as proof of attendance.

With the exception of grants towards fee paying higher/further education courses, application may only be submitted AFTER the activity has been COMPLETED or item PURCHASED.

Whilst each application will be considered on its merits. Listed below are some general guidelines. Please read these carefully before completing & submitting any application, to avoid disappointment or delay :

Qualifying :

Applicants must be under 25 years old, and must have their primary residential address within Audlem church parish boundary (which includes most of Hankelow, Coxbank, Buerton, Lightwood Green and Wilkesley), Students living away from home, must reside in Audlem, when not attending college / university.

Basic Guidelines :

* Grants are intended to support young people specifically with education/ learning opportunities, and/or elite sporting activities. They do not cover social, medical or purely economic need(s) or expenses.

* Grants are made as a contribution towards costs, and not intended to cover entire costs

* Grants are not available for hobby, or leisure past times.

* To qualify for contribution, educational trips must be 2 days duration, or over. School or college trips must have a clear and obvious link to the curriculum being studied.

* Grants towards music, or other performing arts lessons are considered only if these result in formal qualifications. These should be made on an annual basis and application must show consistent attendance for each term.

* Grants are available towards Duke Of Edinburgh Awards, and other officially recognised personal skills development courses.

* Sporting grants are intended for those participating competitively at County level (or higher) or equivalent (according to type of structure within the sport). Grants are not made towards sports badges, certificates, trips or courses that are not linked to elite performance.

* Whilst items of equipment & tools (sporting & educational) may be considered for one off grants, this does not extend to computers/laptops etc, or collections of small consumable items such as paper, ink, small item coursework materials or optional sportswear & small item sports consumables etc. As a rough guide, individual coursework books and equipment under £15 are unlikely to qualify. (nor do these count if compounded together).

* A lump sum grant is available towards course cost for university, apprenticeship and professional training courses etc for those aged 18 -25 years. These are to a maximum of 4 years, The first year grant being the largest, with subsequent year grants at a reduced level. Additional applications for costs will not qualify for any further funding for that year from the scheme.

* Grants are not available for private tutoring, additional lessons, or work experience.

* Travel costs, (excluding those already included part of an organised educational trip) do not qualify.

* Grants for participation in youth club, scouts, guides or similar, may be considered if at a national, or international, level. It does not however cover subscriptions, uniforms, routine weekly activities, or badges.

This list is by no means inclusive, or exhaustive, but intended to be used as a general guide. If in doubt, please enquire with the Clerk, before proceeding with your application.