Greenham Common Trust launches findmeagrant – the web portal which will revolutionise local fundraising.

Greenham Common Trust has transformed the way individuals, charities and community groups can access grants and donations for projects and services by launching an exciting new web portal.

Our current grant system has lasted 14 years and distributed millions of pounds for local charities and organisations.

We have regularly improved and adapted our grant application system, recently enabling organisations to apply for Trust, West Berkshire Council (WBC) and West Berkshire Partnership (WBP) grants on one form.

But applicants wanting to apply to other grant making bodies had to make separate applications, making the process inefficient, time consuming and complicated.

The next logical step was to create a simple, easy-to-use online system, using the latest technology, to enable an applicant to create one application form to access multiple grant makers and the general public for donations. This new single point of access process is far more accessible, inclusive and transparent.

Findmeagrant has been developed by local IT firm Conifer Consulting Ltd in partnership with our commercial subsidiary Greenham Business Park Ltd. 

Greenham Common Trust Chief Executive Stuart Tagg said: “Our investment in findmeagrant will be more than returned in providing a modern, efficient system for organisations and individuals to access grant funding and public donations. It will also provide a one-stop-shop for grant making bodies because it rationalises all the information for their requirements in one access point. If other areas are interested in buying the system and we generate an income out of it that is a bonus which will be reinvested back into the local community. This is the future of local fundraising.”

Conifer Consulting Ltd Chief Executive Nadeem Soomro added: “Find Me A Grant is a culmination of my personal experience of working in the voluntary community sector and my 20+ years of IT system design consultancy background. The result of this unique blend is evident in this innovative and exciting web portal. In the first instance this is intended to serve our local communities in West Berkshire and North Hampshire. However, I am confident that this portal will be used in other areas throughout the UK. As a joint venture between Conifer Consulting Ltd and Greenham Business Park Ltd I see Find Me A Grant having commercial value and a good potential return on investment.”

It is not only easier for applicants and grant makers who can view all of the applications from a single point but makes the Trust’s internal administrative database a lot easier and efficient to manage. It rationalises all of the information, making the best use of technology to create a truly online electronic system.

What are the advantages of findmeagrant?

• Avoids the need for multiple application forms
• Simple one application can reach many grant makers and public donors
• Trust Top-Up – the Trust will match public donations up to £5,000 per project application if the project meets our eligibility criteria. Gift Aid will be applied to donations where possible.
• One-Stop-Shop for grant makers, seekers and public donors
• Significantly improves internal administration and reduces costs
• Improves the intelligence about grant applicants, public donors and grant makers – allowing you to see the bigger picture.

How does it work?

It works much like the UCAS university student clearing system where universities search for students who match their eligibility criteria and students search for universities with places to offer. We are replacing the students with grant applicants and the universities with grant making bodies.

It is a public portal where grant seekers and grant makers can view all of the applications. Your application will remain on the portal for 18 months (if it has not been fully funded before), enabling you to access two Trust, WBC and WBP reactive grant rounds and at least one round of funding from other grant givers. 

Which funders have signed up?

• Greenham Common Trust – Reactive Grants, Vibrant Villages/Parish Plan Grant
• West Berkshire Council – West Berkshire Small Grants, Vibrant Villages/Parish Plan Grant
• West Berkshire Partnership – WBP Grants
• Greater Greenham Partnership

There is huge potential benefit for other local grant makers who would be able to manage their own section of the portal and filter applications to suit their funding requirements as well as administer grants.

How Do I find out who has funded me?

Information about grant makers and donors with the amounts of grant aid will be posted live on to the portal and your personal application portal. The portal will also generate emails to applicants and grant makers when any funding is granted or donated. Grant makers and donors can remain anonymous if they prefer and in that case you will see the anonymous funding against your application. 

How do applicants receive grant funding?

Grant makers can either pay their grants directly to the applicants using their current payment methods or through the Trust using BACS or cheque, whichever they prefer. Donors can pay through a secure online payments system. There is no charge for using these services.

How long will my application stay on findmeagrant?

Each application will remain on findmeagrant for 18 months long enough to cover at least two Trust, Council and Partnership reactive grant rounds and at least one round of any other potential grant making body.

Findmeagrant goes live on September 1, visit the portal at www.findmeagrant.org and make an application for funding or donations. There will be a public presentation to grant seekers on August 31^st at the Corn Exchange in Newbury. Seats are limited and only those who have reserved a place will be able to attend. Please RSVP to fmaghelp@greenham-common-trust.co.uk or call 01635 817444 to reserve your place. If you are a grant maker and want further information or would like to get involved please contact Trust Chief Executive Stuart Tagg on 01635 817444.