WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you should refer to the pdf version of this document. CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Paper 1 Annex 1 03/06/05 COMMUNITIES IN THE NATIONL PARK SMALL GRANTS SCHEME FINAL REPORT Purpose To report on the results and achievements made in implementing the Communities in the National Park Small Grants Scheme 04/05. Executive Summary When in March 2004 the CNPA launched its ‘Communities in the National Park - A Small Grants Scheme for Community Activities and Events’ we could not have predicted the popularity of such an initiative. The programme was established to engage with communities in the National Park’s first year. It gave local community groups the chance to apply for support of up to £3,000 to enable them to undertake activities and events that related with some aspect of the Cairngorms National Park. In the seven months, (March to October 2004), that individuals and organisations could apply to the scheme, the CNPA received over 200 expressions of interest with 87 completed applications. Of those applications, we approved 49 projects, reaching our budget ceiling of £100,000 for the scheme (£45,000 of which came from the Cairngorms LEADER+ Programme). We have funded projects from village theatre, fete’s, gatherings and sports events, to garden development, publishing historical material and art competitions. These events and activities have taken place throughout the Park, from Grantown and Glen Livet to Ballater, the Angus Glens and Kingussie, touching a significant cross section of the National Park Communities. They have involved both young and old making their mark and starting something that may become an annual tradition to be proud of. As well as the delivery of the projects, the Authority has also had the opportunity to learn from and to better gauge local community needs. This has included establishing the elements of grant giving which are both robust and yet sufficiently flexible for the clients, from application right through to reporting and completion. SCHEME DESCRIPTION Background 1. Launched on 15 March 2004, the Communities in the National Park Small Grants Scheme was intended to assist and encourage local communities to undertake activities and events that marked their inclusion in the National Park, deepening their involvement and commitment to the aims of the Park. A grant of between £500 and £3,000 was available for events and activities related to the 4 aims of the Park, in particular focusing on the natural or cultural environment of the National Park. In assessing applications, it was important that the impact of the event or activity would continue into the future. However, the Scheme was not prescriptive and community groups were encouraged to be innovative and imaginative in their applications. 2. This paper concludes the implementation of the Communities in the National Park Small Grants Scheme. It sets out the major achievements as well as noting important factors to be considered for future grants given by the National Park. For more detailed background information and scheme specifications, please see the Board Briefing Paper: “Pounds to People: a briefing paper on the progress of the Communities in the National Park Grant Scheme” (May 04), and the “Cairngorms National Park Authority, Communities in the National Park - A small Grants Scheme for Community Activities and Events, Guidance notes for Community and Voluntary Groups” - (March 04). Outcome (What Happened And What We Have Learnt) Monitoring 3. The overall administration of the Small Grants Scheme was maintained within one operational unit, and allowed us to ensure that we could closely monitor the processing of applications, as well as their geographic and thematic distribution. The table in Appendix 1 below highlights the key Outputs achieved by the Scheme. We achieved and surpassed our targets in all cases. 4. The opportunities created by running this scheme have been in getting quick wins on the ground, engaging the Park Authority with local communities. The processing of new applications involved relevant policy staff internally, gauging demand and honing our policy development on real cases. We also benefited greatly from the experience and financial participation of the Cairngorms LEADER+ Programme. This helped particularly in ensuring project viability and reduced duplication or displacement of other activities. Substantive issues 5. Information contained in Appendix 2 shows that according to the information provided by the Community Groups, over 17,000 people (locals who may have attended more than one event, as well as visitors) participated in or attended the Events or Activities funded under the scheme - more than equalling the total population of the Park. 6. When we look at the geographical distribution of grant recipient communities (Appendix 3-6), we see that the majority are based in Badenoch and Strathspey. As might be expected, mirroring the population, more than three-quarters of those attending or participating in the Activities or Events also did so in the Badenoch and Strathspey area. However, the activities or events, took place almost on an even basis across the Park area (Appendix 4). This is also reflected in the proportion of proposals that were refused (38 in total), over two-thirds from the Badenoch and Strathspey area. 7. Total amount of grants disseminated was £100,030.14 with over 60% of projects receiving the full £3000 grant (Appendix 7). However, when we consider the maximum and minimum size of project (£508 to £7,700 - including match funding), and the range of grant values, we see that there was sufficient demand within this grant range to meet Community needs. We can also see that despite it not being a requirement, more than half the communities already had some match funding from another source. 8. Reviewing the descriptive comments listed in the table in Appendix 2, the consistent theme is one of the community coming together, learning new skills, of inspiring future action and better appreciation of the local area and others within their own community. There was also appreciation of the ease of use of the scheme, “The grant scheme is one of the best I have dealt with, straightforward application and assistance was welcome. Refreshing to find a scheme that does not require match funding as it is basically a small pot that can be more effort than it is worth” - Bel MacAulay, Ballater (RD) Ltd. 9. In terms of the broader impact of the scheme, (Appendix 8: Percentage of Projects Addressing the Park Aims), we can see that Aims 1, 3 and 4 have been the focus of a good proportion of the projects (almost one-third each). This subjective separation of primary objectives showed limited input to Aim 2, (To Promote the Sustainable Use of the Natural Resources of the Area), but it was a part of the broader objectives of some of these events and activities. Operational Issues 10. While it has been evident that the scheme involved a heavy administrative burden, the process of developing proposals with the Community representatives has been very productive, giving us an opportunity to get the Park Aims and our message across, while at the same time understanding what their constraints are. 11. In analysing the processing time for the grants we have achieved an average of just over 10 days from formal submission to approval. While this does not consider the period of development before final submission, this compares well with other grant giving organisations who can take months and provide very little developmental support. 12. The scheme was initially open to applicants from 15 March to 1 September, later extended to 1 October. The extra time allowed the last projects to be better prepared and for us to encourage other communities to apply (28 projects approved after 1 September). As Appendix 9, shows the Events and Activities were spread throughout the year. 13. Certain aspects such as registration (or affiliation with a registered group) have not been negotiable, but particularly in the case of Group Size, where the minimum requirement was 20 persons we have had to be flexible. As Appendix 2 data shows, over half of the groups failed to meet the minimum membership size requirement. Their grant approval was ultimately given, due to their track record, or affiliation to more substantial organisations. Policy Context 14. The scheme was placed under Theme 4. Balanced, thriving and sustainable communities in the Operational Plan 04/05. This was developed from the Corporate plan 04/07, where the scheme (while not directly mentioned), contributes mainly towards the following outcomes; Capacity Building in Communities, Tourism and Cultural Heritage. The scheme can be said to have much wider policy related inputs, its main areas of contribution are also to the themes of a “Park for All” and “Developing an Enabling Organisation that is Trusted and Respected” (Corporate Plan 04-07). 15. Delivering Sustainability The scheme was set up as a one-off, encouraging communities to engage with the National Park. However, projects were assessed on the basis of their potential to leave a lasting positive reminder or to establish an annual event. The majority of projects have succeeded, and preparations are underway for the next annual events (eg, Cairngorms Texas Scramble golf tournament has been placed in the fixture list). Other projects established foundations for further development, inspiring the community to re-invigorate existing activities or take on new ideas. 16. Delivering a Park for All While all projects were assessed on the basis of their inclusiveness and contribution to “A Park for All”, 6 projects directly addressed special needs (data in Appendix 2). However, it is also important to note that while support was being provided to develop proposals, we had the opportunity to convey what we mean by a Park for All. By placing this in the context of the event/activity it provided a foundation for future work and understanding of how to address this at the community level. 17. Delivering Efficiency, Effectiveness and Economy As has been presented above, the scheme has reached and surpassed all targets. The processing and administration of grants has been to our target of 10 days and we were able to ensure that all projects when submitted had been reviewed in detail and suggestions made to improve their structure and focus. Implications Financial Implications 18. The scheme delivered to budget and has proven to be a very effective mechanism for implementation of activities, as well as delivery of funds on the ground. Empowering the communities to undertake these projects may be the most effective way for us to achieve the Park Aims with interventions of this scale and with our limited capacity. Presentational Implications 19. The publicity and attractiveness of this scheme (ease of application, 100% of costs etc), gave us a very effective means of engaging with the communities. In many cases this resulted in exchange of proposal ideas undoubtedly enriching the scheme and the event or activity. In the long run this has created a basis for both our development of support mechanisms, and an opportunity for communities to understand and relate their work to the aims of the National Park. Implications for Stakeholders 20. Partly due to the success of the scheme, and despite being clear that this was only a one-off scheme, we have inevitably raised expectations, but initiated new events/traditions, and helped communities to identify niches to follow-up on. In future we will be looking to build upon the established relationships and to inform our policy development from what we have learnt this year. We expect there to be a more focussed set of grants available in the future, as well as wider and better informed engagement with community stakeholders in National Park related projects. Conclusions 21. As has been explained above, the scheme has been a resounding success, achieving all that we set out to achieve with it. We have successfully engaged with communities through the scheme, and learnt the following lessons that will feed into future Grant giving by the Authority; a. Clarity of outcomes (goals) expected helps us and the community to focus projects, b. Targeting for the Park Aims 1,3 and 4 has been clear in the proposals we accepted, but in future we will have to look very carefully at targeting Aim 2, (To Promote the Sustainable Use of the Natural Resources of the Area). c. In future, funding in tranches, may be more useful for us in managing funds, spacing out the administrative burden and linking in with partners funding schemes (eg, SNH new scheme follows a tranch based approach), d. The geographical distribution of population and the diversity of community interests varies enormously across the Park and we need to be careful when targeting grants to ensure that these will achieve expectations and remain inclusive. e. Starting small and given the opportunity, many communities quickly develop capacity and enthusiasm to effectively take on greater and more diverse events and activities. f. There is a real demand for “Small Grants” of the scale in this scheme, with simple procedures and quick response and support. 22. The above information is part of the wider learning that this scheme has facilitated. It will now feed into how we proceed with the Grants given by the Authority, particularly in terms of operational processes, but also in how we engage with local communities and how they can best meet their own needs as well as contribute to the Aims of the Park. Dicken Higgins May 2005 dickenhiggins@cairngorms.co.uk Appendix 1: Communities in the National Park Small Grant Scheme 2004/05 - Key Outputs OBJECTIVES Establish operational systems and procedures - ensuring flexible, efficient and robust management of the scheme OUTPUT BY SCHEME COMPLETION Consultant produced Scheme Guidance, Specification and main Standard Forms. Scheme Managements systems fully operational by launch. Staff delegation and put into practice. OBJECTIVES Launch and promote throughout the Park - making maximum number of local communities aware of the opportunity for events/activities funding OUTPUT BY SCHEME COMPLETION • Mail-out to over 200 Community Groups • 4 Local Press releases in the Badenoch & Strathspey Herald and the Deeside Piper & Journal • 2 Park Life Articles • Yellow three fold Flyer internally produced, over 100 copies printed and disseminated. • Staff & Board Members have actively promoted the scheme. We received over 200 expressions of interest in the scheme by phone, email and letter. OBJECTIVES Support proposal development - service applicant groups to make sure that they maximise the chance of success with their proposal. OUTPUT BY SCHEME COMPLETION Not all enquiries led to a formal application, but over 87 applications were received, most of which were developed with consultation. Upon closure of the scheme we were fortunate to have more eligible projects than funds, and therefore able to support only high priority projects. OBJECTIVES To support projects involving at least 25 community groups or organisations in the National Park area. OUTPUT BY SCHEME COMPLETION 49 projects approved, only one of which had to be cancelled. OBJECTIVES To ensure that there is a spread of supported projects across the National Park and across the range of community organisations. OUTPUT BY SCHEME COMPLETION See Appendix 4 map, as well as Appendix 2 & 3, indicating that there were a higher proportion (69%) of successful grant recipients on the Badenoch & Strathspey side of the Park (Appendix 2), but delivery in terms of location of activities/events (Appendix 3) shows a more even spread of influence throughout the Park. OBJECTIVES To support projects that wherever applicable reflect the National Park’s aims of inclusiveness and a “Park for All”, and which demonstrate that consideration has been given, and implemented in practice, to the needs of all sections of the community. OUTPUT BY SCHEME COMPLETION All applications were assessed with the criteria of inclusiveness and their contribution to the Aim of a Park for All. In addition, we supported 6 projects where the focus was directly on achieving a Park for All (T041.004, 026, 054, 056, 057, 074, see Appendix). OBJECTIVES To ensure most effective delivery of all funds within deadline - liaising with groups to ensure any potential under spend can be used in other projects. OUTPUT BY SCHEME COMPLETION Final delivery against budget shows that we paid out as grants a total of £100,072.04 (overspent by £72.04). OBJECTIVES Establish a baseline from which the Park Authority can understand community needs and develop future Grant Giving. OUTPUT BY SCHEME COMPLETION The administering of the scheme has provided a wide range of information, which we will use in development of future grant schemes we initiate. Appendix 2: Communities in the National Park Small Grants Scheme Data Table (Available as a separate paper) Appendix 3: Image of Pie Chart showing by percentage, Recipient Community Home Base Divided by Area Badenoch 29% Strathspey 40% Angus Glens 4% Upper Moray 10% Upper Donside 4% Upper Deeside 13% Appendix 4: Image of Pie Chart showing by percentage, Project Areas of Influence (Location of Activities/Events across the Park) Angus Glens 15% Strathspey 15% Badenoch 19% Upper Donside 18% Upper Moray 18% Upper Deeside 15% Appendix 5: Map showing Project Distribution Across the National Park (not available in full text format) Appendix 6: Image of Pie Chart showing by percentage, Persons Involved in Events by Area Strathspey 50% Angus Glens 1% Upper Deeside 5% Badenoch 25% Upper Donside 13% Upper Moray 6% Appendix 7: Image of Bar Chart showing Project Size and CNPA Portion (not available in full text format) Appendix 8: Image of Pie Chart showing Percentage of Projects Addressing Park Aims Natural & Cultural Heritage 24% Sustainable Use of Natural Resources 0% Special Qualities Understanding & Enjoyment 37% Sustainable Communities 39% Appendix 9: Events & Activities Schedule Given by Ref / Event / Organisation / Months TO41.001 Carrbridge in Motion Carrbridge Community Arts April May June TO41.002 Out and About in the National Park Newtonmore and District Floral Art club July TO41.004 Uphill Ski Club Awareness and Promotion. Uphill Ski Club August September October November December January February TO41.006 Community Fun and Games Outdoor Fair Logie Coldstone Welfare Trust Management Committee (LCWTMC) June TO41.008 Garden Redevelopment Grantown Play Group April May June July August TO41.009 Patrick Geddes Project Ballater (RD) Ltd August September October TO41.011 Pantomime and Workshops Newtonmore Drama Group July August December TO41.013 Ceilidh's in the Cairngorms DANNSA September October TO41.015 Gaelic Songs - a tribute to Donald Campbell Kingussie Arts Network November December January TO41.017 Tea in the Park Glenlivet & Inveravon Community Association August TO41.018 ‘Insh Village Rumpus’ Kincraig and Vicinity Community Council June TO41.022 Generation Bowling Tournament Tomintoul and GlenLivet Outdoor Bowling Club September TO41.023 Living in the Park Art Competition Society of Badenoch and Strathspey Artists July August September October November December January February March TO41.025 Winter in the Park RICHMOND MEMORIAL HALL December TO41.026 Morlich Trail Orienteering EQUAL ADVENTURE DEVELOPMENTS October November TO41.027 Braemar Books Publication Braemar Civic Amenities Trust November TO41.028 Cairngorms National Park Open Texas Scramble Abernethy Golf Club September TO41.029 Autumn Colour in the Cairngorms National Park Newtonmore Community Woodland & Development Trust October TO41.031 Active Aboyne challenge MID DEESIDE LIMITED TO41.032 Clova Hall 50th Anniversary Glen Clova Village Hall September TO41.033 Kingussie River Spey Performance Feis Spe February TO41.034 Touler Open Seminar Tomintoul Community Newsletter October TO41.035 Grantown Try Tri Simon Grosvenor / Rebecca Reid - Under Grantown Motor Mania September TO41.038 Gaelic Songs tour and CD Comhlan Luaidh Bhaideanach September October November December January February TO41.039 Chainsaw Art Competition, Tom Jones Carrbridge Community Council August TO41.041 Juvenile Masons 160 Anniversary march Ballater Juvenile Masons December TO41.042 ShowBoaters Boat of Garten Community Company October November December TO41.044 ABC Xmas event Aviemore Business Association December TO41.046 Laggan Walks Laggan Community Association October TO41.047 3 in the Park – Snowboard Series. Cairngorm Snowboard Club January February TO41.048 Railway Volunteers Strathspey Railway Company Ltd. October November December January February TO41.049 Braes Hogmanay Chapeltown Hall, Braes of Glenlivet January TO41.052 Workshop series Carrumba October November December TO41.054 Grantown Youth Project Grantown Community Centre / YMCA September October November December January February March TO41.056 Graffiti Art and the Cairngorms area C.W.Y.D Aviemore Streetlink Project October TO41.057 Sport Any Way Braemar Braemar Disabled Ski and Outdoor Activities Club November December January February March TO41.059 Looking Back and Forward BRAEMAR SCHOOL ASSOCIATION January February TO41.073 JMA Model Award John Muir Award Cairngorm (Highland Wildlife Park) October November TO41.074 Skate the Park BOAT OF GARTEN YOUTH ACTION GROUP October TO41.075 Drumguish Dykers Kincraig and Vicinity Community Council October TO41.076 Cairngorms Crystals Grantown Museum and Heritage Trust November December January February March TO41.077 Squirrel Leaflet Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group November December January February March TO41.078 Cairngorm Capers GlenLivet and Inveravon Community Association October TO41.079 There’s more to Clova than walking Clova Heritage Group November December January February March TO41.080 Shinty in the Park The Camanachd Association January February TO41.081 Newtonmore Junior Curling Club Newtonmore Junior Curling Club December January February TO41.082 Nethybridge Dam Nethybridge Interpretive Project Ltd November December January February March TO41.083 Wade Heritage Garden WADE CENTRE February March TO41.085 Dulnain Bridge Hall Windows DULNAIN BRIDGE VILLAGE HALL TRUST March Appendix 10: SGS Budget 2004/5 Income from funding partners / Funding offer / % Amount by month Cairngorms National Park Authority / 55,000 / 55% June 5,000 July 5,000 September 5,000 November 10,000 December 5,000 January 5,000 February 20,000 Total Grant 55,000 LEADER + / 45,000 / 45% August 18,252 November 10,000 December 5,000 March 11,748 Total Grant 45,000 Total Funding offer 100,000 / 100% June 5,000 July 5,000 August 18,252 September 5,000 November 20,000 December 10,000 January 5,000 February 20,000 March 11,748 Total Grant 100,000 Expenditure TO41.001 - Carrbridge in Motion / 3,000 / 3% April 1000 August 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.002 N’more & Dist Floral Art … / 500 / 0.50% October 500 Total Grant 500 TO41.004 Uphill Ski Club / 3,000 / 3% March 3000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.006 LCWTMC / 1,532 / 1.53% July 510 March 787.09 Total Grant 1297.09 TO41.008 Grantown Playgroup / 3,000 / 3% June 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.009 Patrick Geddes Project / 2,980 / 2.98% June 993 March 1986.6 Total Grant 2979.59 TO41.011 Newtonmore Drama Group / 1228 / 1.02% September 307 March 823 Total Grant 1130 TO41.013 DANNSA / 3,000 / 3% September 1000 November 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.015 Kingussie Arts Network / 3,000 / June 1000 March 1858.1 Total Grant 2858.13 TO41.017 Tea in the Park / 2800 / 2.80% September 2800 Total Grant 2800 TO41.018 Insh Village Rumpus / 1090.07 / 1.09% August 525 September 565.07 Total Grant 1090.07 TO41.022 Generation Bowling Tourn... / 770 / 0.77% September 250 January 520 Total Grant 770 TO41.023 Living in the Park Art Comp / 3000 / 3% July 1000 February 1836.67 Total Grant 2836.67 TO41.025 Winter in the Park - RICHMOND MEMORIAL HALL / 1950 / 1.95% August 650 March 656.19 Total Grant 1306.19 TO41.026 Morlich Trail Orienteering / 2870 / 2.87% August 950 March 1915 Total Grant 2865 TO41.027 Braemar Books Publication / 2693 / 2.69% August 900 December 2100 Total Grant 3000 TO41.028 CNP Open Texas Scramble / 950 / 0.95% October 735 Total Grant 735 TO41.029 Autumn Colour in the CNP / 718.4 / 0.72% August 240 March 218.13 Total Grant 458.13 TO41.031 Active Aboyne challenge / 160.43 / 0% October 160.43 Total Grant 160.43 TO41.032 Clova Hall 50th Anniversary / 730 / 7.30% September 730 Total Grant 730 TO41.033 Kingussie River Spey Perf../ 3,000 / 3% August 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.034 Touler Open Seminar / 924 / 0.92% November 300 March 624 Total Grant 924 TO41.035 Grantown Try Tri / 1494 / 1.59% September 500 March 994 Total Grant 1494 TO41.038 Comhlan Luaidh Bhaid… / 3000 / 3% September 1000 March 1990.6 Total Grant 2990.62 TO41.039 Chainsaw Art competition / 1500 / 2% September 500 March 1002 Total Grant 1501.98 TO41.041 Juvenile Masons / 1350 / 1% November 450 March 900 Total Grant 1350 TO41.042 ShowBoaters / 2700 / 3% September 900 November 1800 Total Grant 2700 TO41.044 ABC Xmas event / 3000 / 3% December 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.046 Laggan Walks / 3000 / 3% October 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.047 3 in the Park Snowboard … / 3000 / 3% January 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.048 Railway Volunteers / 2000 / 2% November 667 March 1426.1 Total Grant 2093.06 T041.049 Braes Hogmanay / 2229.41 / 2% November 820 March 1409.4 Total Grant 2229.41 T041.052 Carrumba Workshop Series / 3000 / 3% November 909 February 2091 Total Grant 3000 T041.054 Grantown Youth Project / 3000 / 3% December 567 March 859.23 Total Grant 1426.23 TO41.056 Graffiti Art and the Cairngorms Area / 2010 / 2% October 670 March 703.02 Total Grant 1373.02 TO41.057 Sport Any Way Braemar / 1000 / 1% March 807.21 Total Grant 807.21 TO41.059 Looking Back and Forward / 3000 / 3% November 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.073 JMA Model Award / 3000 / 3% October 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.074 Skate the Park / 920 / 1% October 307 November 613 Total Grant 920 TO41.075 Drumguish Dykers / 693 / 1% October 330 January 310.92 Total Grant 640.92 TO41.076 Cairngorms Crystals / 2948.55 / 3% October 1000 March 1948.6 Total Grant 2948.55 TO41.077 Squirrel Leaflet / 2997.12 / 3% October 1000 March 1951.8 Total Grant 2951.78 TO41.078 Cairngorm Capers / 508 / 1% November 170 December 334.31 Total Grant 504.31 TO41.079 There's more to Clova … / 2610.7 / 3% January 870 March 1830.2 Total Grant 2700.15 TO41.080 Shinty in the Park / 1930 / 2% November 643 March 1094.8 Total Grant 1737.77 TO41.081 N’more Junior Curling Club / 1420 / 1% November 473 March 970 Total Grant 1443 TO41.082 Nethybridge Dam / 3000 / 3% November 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 2999.99 TO41.083 WADE Heritage Garden / 3000 / 3% November 1000 March 2000 Total Grant 3000 TO41.085 Dulnanin Bridge Windows .. / 3000 / 3% November 1000 March 1777.8 Total Grant 2777.84 Total (committed) / - / 108% April 1000 May 0 June 2993 July 1510 August 6265 September 8552.0 October 6702.4 November 12845 December 4001.3 January 2700.9 February 3927.67 March 49533 Total Grant 100030.14 Cash flow status (expected) April -1,000 May -1,000 June 1,007 July 4,497 August 16,484 September 12,932 October 6,230 November 13,385 December 19,383 January 21,682 February 37,755 March -30