Tenants Project Fund (TPF)

We are committed to improving not just the homes of our customers but also their quality of life. The Tenants Project Fund supports projects that genuinely make a difference to the lives of our customers and the neighbourhoods in which they live.

Grants are reviewed by the Tenants Project Fund Volunteer Grant Assessors, who are supported by Blackpool Coastal Housing’s Grants and Communications Officer.

Any organisation applying to the Tenants Project Fund must demonstrate that their project meets at least one of the following objectives of the fund:

Life Skills – (i.e. better access to training and development)
Health & Wellbeing – (promoting community/leisure activities e.g. bingo sessions, sports etc.)
Stronger Communities – (communities working together to tackle issues in their community such as Anti-Social Behaviour through community events etc.)
Improving our Neighbourhood Environments – (improving our environments such as community gardens etc.)

Who can apply?

You can apply to the TPF if you are a:	We cannot accept applications from:
Voluntary or community organisation	Individuals
Registered charity	Sole Traders
Constituted group or club	Organisations that are aimed at generating profits primarily for private distribution. Those not asset locked or organisations that can pay profits (including CICs limited by shares) to directors or shareholders.
Community interest company (CIC)
BCH department
School	Organisations based outside the UK
Statutory body (including town, parish or community council)	An organisation applying on behalf of another

We do not award grants to:

Projects that clearly duplicate the activities another organisation is providing
Projects that are the statutory duty of another provider

You will be required to demonstrate significant local support for your project from BCH tenants/leaseholders.

What can the money be spent on?

For any goods and services that you wish to purchase, we recommend you have more than one quote where possible, to ensure best value for money.

Our funding is more flexible than ever, however, there are still some things we can’t pay for. Here are some examples of what we can and can’t fund, however we’re always happy to talk to you about your project so please contact us if you’re unsure.

Yes	No
Training costs	Alcohol
Volunteer expenses	Profit making/fundraising activities
Staff Costs	Recoverable VAT
Small capital projects*	Statutory activities
Transport	Contingency costs, loans, endowments or Interest
One off events	Political or religious activities
Equipment	Paying someone else to write your application
Utilities/running costs	Things already paid for

*Please note we will only cover the cost of small capital projects where a group owns the property or has a lease that can’t be broken.

In order to receive the grant directly you must:•Have a bank account that requires at least two people who are unrelated and do not live at the same address to sign each cheque or make a withdrawal•Have a governing body with at least three unrelated members and have a governing document which sets out how your organisation is managed•Be able to fnish your project within one year of receipt of the award•Be the same organisation applying for the grant, receiving the grant and responsible for spending the grant•Be able to demonstrate how your project will beneft tenants and leaseholders

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I apply for?

You can apply for up to £10,000!

How do I apply for funding?

If you’re looking to apply for funding of £500 or under, you will need to complete our small grants application form.

If you are looking to apply for funding over £500 (up to £10,000), you will need to complete our large grant application form.

Both forms are available by emailing the Involvement and Communications Team at tenantsprojectfund@bch.co.uk

You will also need to ensure that any evidence to support your application is submitted with your application form, as failure to do so may result in either delays in processing your application or your application being declined.

Will there be any help to fill out the application form?

We can’t fill out the forms for you but both our small and large grant application forms have handy guidance notes contained within them and our Grants Officer will be happy to provide you with further support and advice on completing an application.

Are there any restrictions about the number of applications that I can make?

There are no restrictions on the number of applications you can make, but a single organisation can only be allocated a maximum of £20,000 in any one financial year (April 1st – March 31st). This means an organisation can submit any number of applications so long as they are not for the same project in a 12 month period.

We may not be able to provide funding to a project that has previously received TPF funding.

We may also decline any funding applications received from organisations who have not submitted an end of project report and receipts/ invoices following the completion of a TPF funded project.

Who will assess the application?

Your application will be assessed by our TPF Grant Assessors and our Grants Officer.

When can I apply to the TPF?

There is no submission deadline when applying to the Tenants Project Fund. Applications can be made throughout the year. There is £50,000 grant funding available in any one financial year – when it’s gone, it’s gone! It can take up to 12 weeks to process your application so it’s important to ensure your application is submitted at least 12 weeks before you intend to start your project.

For more information on the process and how to apply, please contact our Grants and Communications Officer at tenantsprojectfund@bch.co.uk.

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