Laurus Homes are committed to investing in the areas we are developing new homes. We will do this using our Laurus Community Investment Fund, giving local community based organisations an opportunity to access grant funding for activity that will support local communities.

We are pleased to advise that the 2022 fund has now been launched and that there is £300,000 allocated for investing in a range of community projects throughout the North West. Take a look at our scheduled programme of application windows below to see when your site goes ‘live’ and you can start sending your applications through to us.

An eligible organisation can apply to the Laurus Community Investment Fund if your work benefits people in your community and meets at least one of our priorities:

• Children and young people: Children and young people living in our communities are better equipped with skills, knowledge and attitude to thrive in life.
• Maximising income/reducing costs: Residents' incomes are increased and maximised, supporting them to live independently.
• Wellbeing, both mental and physical: Residents are more resilient to changes in personal circumstances through increased levels of wellbeing.
• Community: Residents feel more connected with their local community, with local amenities and cultural and social opportunities to meet their needs.
  
  

How will the voting work?

Applications will be voted for by your community!

Shortlisted applications will be voted for by the local community to secure Gold, Silver or Bronze grants equating to different values within the different locations. There will be a number of ways to place your vote, so keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks.

If you have any questions regarding the Laurus Community Investment Fund, please email us.

Laurus Homes, North West House Builder is inviting local charities and other organisations to apply for funding.

Laurus Homes have launched this fund in order to support local communities where we have homes in order to support the charities and organisations that do great work in and around our developments

In particular the focus and priorities of the fund  are around making a difference or working with:

• Children and young people: Children and young people living in our communities are better equipped with skills, knowledge and attitude to thrive in life.
• Maximising income/reducing costs: Residents' incomes are increased and maximised, supporting them to live independently.
• Wellbeing, both mental and physical: Residents are more resilient to changes in personal circumstances through increased levels of wellbeing.
• Community: Residents feel more connected with their local community, with local amenities and cultural and social opportunities to meet their needs.

Funding will be awarded through three awards in your area a ‘Gold’ ‘Silver’ or ‘Bronze’ Award

Applications will be assessed and three will be selected to go forward for a public vote

Community members and residents local to the development will then be eligible to vote through an online voting system

The Awards will be allocated according to the number of votes received.

All details can be found on the Laurus Homes Website https://www.laurushomes.co.uk  or look out for leaflets and posters in your local area

Laurus Homes can also provide support through the application process -  contact Communities.Laurus@laurushomes.co.uk or tel: 07736497251 and one of our team will get in touch.

Further details and eligibility criteria

Will I my organisations be eligible to apply?

In order to be eligible to apply your organisation will need to be able to agree with the following :

Our organisation is at least one of these: community/voluntary sector group, registered charity, recognised form of social enterprise, recognised form of co-operative or mutual, school, college or other educational establishment, council, government department, public service or other public sector body, company limited by guarantee.

Our organisation has all of these: A committee, board, or other governing group, with at least three unrelated members. A constitution or other set of rules.  A bank account in the name of your organisation, with at least two unrelated signatories. A set of audited accounts for the last financial year.

The work we want funding for does none of these: Promoting or advancing religion. Promoting or advancing a political stance. Animal welfare. Travel abroad. Benefitting just one individual. Support for an individual or team to compete in a tournament. Activity which has already happened. Activity or services which the government (national or local) is obliged by law to pay for. Payment of charitable donations, prizes or similar to third parties. Contribution towards general fundraising appeals

The work we want funding for will take place in the local community, or benefit people living there.

The work I/we want funding for will do at least one of these:

• Children and young people living in our communities are better equipped with skills, knowledge and attitude to thrive in life.
• Residents' incomes are increased and maximised, supporting them to live independently.
• Residents are more resilient to changes in personal circumstances through increased levels of wellbeing.
• Residents feel more connected with their local community, with local amenities and cultural and social opportunities to meet their needs. 

When can I apply?

Look out for the launch of the fund in your local area, there will be leaflets and posters in local community venues or details on the Laurus website https://www.laurushomes.co.uk

How long does it take / when will I know if our organisation is successful?

Once the fund is launched there will be a period for applications to be submitted followed by a period of public voting. The whole process will take place over 12 – 16 weeks.

How does my organisation apply?

Applications will be made on a editable PDF  - Please see details on the Laurus Homes Website https://www.laurushomes.co.uk

How / Where do I submit my application?

Applications should be submitted to communities.Laurus@Laurushomes.co.uk by the closing date for applications

How will it be decided who will be shortlisted? 

Applications will be assessed by Laurus Homes on the basis of:

1. Eligibility – see above
2. How they meet the priorities of the fund [See eligibility Q above],
3. The evidence of local need - as demonstrated in the application
4. The anticipated impact / difference this will make to / for the local community and residents – as demonstrated in the application
5. Some consideration will also be given on value for money in terms of Impact V investment

What if I have any questions or need some support?

Contact Kate Ringrow at Communities.Laurus@laurushomes.co.uk or tel: 07736497251

What can I apply for?

Laurus homes are keen to support activities that benefit residents living in the communities in which they build houses

Examples of the types of activities they have supported are:

Holiday activity schemes for Children and Young People

Surplus food distribution schemes

Inter generational activities

Community gardening schemes

We would love the funded activities to have a lasting impact rather than one off events, if you are unsure get in touch and discuss your ideas or activities

Can I apply for support for something we are already doing?

We would like to add value to existing activity / resources so if it can support you to do / try something different, enhance something you are already doing, reach more people or different audience then yes

What if we haven’t done something before?

Laurus Homes will support new initiatives, but as this is one off funding we would want you to tell us what you would plan to happen when the funding ends?

How do I know how much to apply for?

In the application you will have the opportunity to tell us about your organisation and the activity which you are applying for, together with costings

There will be three awards in your area so you will be asked to tell us how you would utilise each of the awards if you were successful.

How close to the Laurus Homes development does my project need to be happening?

In the application you will be asked to let us know how your project / activity will benefit the community surrounding the development and how local residents can access or benefit from your activity.  Will it be open to other communities or is it solely for local residents near the development?  If open to other areas / communities / residents how what number of residents local to the development site would you expect to reach / attend.

If we are shortlisted, how can we promote the voting to our community?

If your organisation is shortlisted Laurus homes will provide you with templates to utilise to promote your organisation for voting via, email, poster, social media, website etc. Laurus Homes will also promote shortlisted organisations and how to vote on their website.

Will the Community Fund have one round in my area, or will there be other opportunities in the future?

This will depend on the development taking place, that is: the number of properties being built, the length of time of the build and when properties are available for sale.

Laurus Homes will review annually and publish when funding rounds are available on their website.

The Social Impact Lead will be able to provide you with more details: Contact Kate Ringrow at Communities.Laurus@laurushomes.co.uk or tel: 07736497251