Our team answer some of the most common questions about the Discretionary Fund, from how long it takes, to what kind of help we can provide, and lots more!
When will I hear about the outcome of my application?
Every application is unique, which means some are much quicker to action than others. We endeavour to make a decision regarding your application within 18 weeks of receiving it.
The Steering Committee meet once a month to discuss and decide on applications we have received. We are always looking for ways to improve and speed up this process, so do please be patient while a decision is being made.
How do you decide what is funded?
The criteria we are looking for is as follows:
– You must be care experienced.
– Your project must have a creative focus.
– How well have you shown the impact this will have on you personally/professionally/socially..?
The Steering Group do not have access to your personal data. All of their votes are collected anonymously.
We do not fund: laptops or sporting activity. Food is assessed on a case by case basis.
I would like a laptop. Can I apply?
After much consideration, it has been decided that we no longer accept applications for laptops. If you are looking for one, please check with the following providers first:
– Your social worker
– Housing Association
– Charities
– Your employer
If none of these are applicable, then we are happy to discuss this with you. Please reach out to a member of the team!
How much information do I need to include?
Please describe in as much detail as you can WHAT it is you want, and more importantly, demonstrate WHY this funding/receiving this service will benefit you.
If you are applying for resources or equipment to buy, please include links to these items.
Take a look at this sample of an accepted application to get an idea of what to include
I’ve already received funding from Creativity and Care. Can I apply again?
You can reapply for funding 1 calendar year after your previous application was made.
If it has been less than a year since you last sent an application to us, unfortunately you cannot yet reapply.
My application has been accepted. What now?
Vicky or Roxana will begin an email conversation with you discussing next steps.
If you have applied for a tutor, this can take some time to source, arrange and set up so we will do our very best to ensure you get a good fit.
If you have applied for resources and have included links to your items, we will be able to action this within 4 weeks of letting you know you have been successful.
My application is time sensitive. How do I know it will be reviewed in time?
Please mark your email or correspondence as HIGH IMPORTANCE, and include the relevant dates for your activity in the application and we will prioritise forms accordingly.
This usually applies to specific events, travel or personal deadlines only.
My application has been unsuccessful. What now?
If it is not possible for us to proceed with your application, we can help steer you towards other sources of funding which might be better suited. You are also welcome to wait until 1 year after you originally applied to apply again.
Can somebody fill the form out for me?
Absolutely! A support worker, teacher, family member or Creativity and Care staff member are all welcome to fill out an application with you. Please make it clear that this is the case on the form.
What happens if Creativity and Care get in touch, and I don’t reply?
If our team does not hear from you for 4 weeks after contacting you to tell you the outcome of your application, it will be suspended. The team will make around 3 attempts to get in touch via phone call or email in this time. If our attempts don’t receive a response, the application will be held in our system as unfulfilled.
You are more than welcome to reach out after this time, and we will rebegin the process when you are ready.
Do I have to complete a written form?
No! Please get in touch with us and we can discuss other ways for you to apply. You can send us a video, call us, email us, or we can arrange a Zoom together.
Get in touch with us anytime on creativityandcare@moniackmhor.org.uk or 01463 592828