HOW TO APPLY - HOW WE DECIDE

This explains all you need to know about applying for LEADER+ funding, and what will happen once we receive your application. Since you are reading it though, it means you are probably already considering whether the programme can help you. From here on the steps are straight forward.

Step 1 Ask for an application pack.

You can do this simply by contacting the WON Programme Team.

Step 2 Write your application.

There are two forms for you to fill in. The first, a formal application form, is for you to summarise your proposal and give us related financial information. The second is a proposal form on which you can expand on your project in detail.

This pack will help you identify the information you will need to include for your application to be successful. The Programme Manager can help and support you in this task.

Step 3 Your application is assessed.

The WON Assessment Panel will consider your application. The panel is made up of representatives of three community organisations in Oxfordshire plus the WON LEADER+ Programme Manager (who has no decision making powers.) The panel makes recommendations to the WON Steering Group who have the final say on whether projects are approved for funding or not. Before it makes a decision, it can call on experts in particular fields for relevant advice on proposed projects and it can ask applicants for more information prior to referring projects on for a final decision.

Step 4 The decision is made.

The WON Steering Group meets quarterly (once every three months approximately) to decide whether recommended projects will be approved.

The next two meetings are on September 5th 2004 and December 6th 2004.

The Programme Manager can tell you the deadline dates by which your final application must arrive so it can be discussed at the next meeting. If this date is unsuitable, she can tell you about more dates later in the schedule and about our procedure for handling urgent applications.

Step 5 You sign an agreement.

If you are offered funding, you will be asked to sign an agreement. This will set out the terms and conditions of the grant, such as how and when the money will be paid and when you will need to report back on your project’s progress.

Step 6 You can appeal.

If your application is unsuccessful, you can appeal and ask to present your case direct to the Steering Group.