Grants are available to all children and young people who are resident, or have parent(s) resident, in Horley Parish at the time of the application.  Applicants should be in full time education or training and should not have reached their 25^th birthday by the due date (see below).

Two kinds of grants are available:

1. Universal grants are a fixed sum paid to every child on request at up to four stages of their education. The current grants are:

• Rising fives about to start school – £100
• At the start of secondary education (usually Year 7) – £300
• At the start of A-levels, college training apprenticeships etc. (Year 12 or equivalent) – £500
• At the start of further education, University, or other accredited training (which is unpaid or paid below the relevant minimum wage) at age 18 to 24 – £1000

The due date is first day of the relevant educational year or training course.

2. Discretionary Grants may be awarded at the discretion of the trustees in response to a specific written request by a village resident or a group of residents. A request may also be made on behalf of a local school or educational institution.

The application can be made at any time and must relate to a specific educational project or activity.  The applicant(s) must demonstrate the educational value of the activity to be supported.

The trustees will consider the application at the next scheduled meeting of the Trustees, which usually takes place every three months.  Please ensure that the application is submitted at least three working days before the date of the meeting

A discretionary grant may also be considered in the case of financial hardship or special need.  In this case please discuss the application with any trustee who will assist with the application.  Such applications will be treated in confidence.

How and when to apply

To apply for any grant please write a letter to the Chairman of Trustees giving your details and the reason for the grant.

Universal grants must be applied for no earlier than three months before and no later than three months after the due date.

Discretionary grants may be applied for at any time – please leave time for the assessment process (see above).

Remember – you must apply to get a grant.  The Trust will not necessarily backdate payments for late applications.

For a list of current trustees click here.

Principles:

The Trustees are all unpaid volunteers working to administer the Trust and support the children of the village.

In the awarding of grants, the trustees undertake to:

• Act in a fair, consistent, and transparent manner
• Provide information and assistance with applications
• Maintain confidentiality
• Provide clear feedback if an award is declined or reduced
• Protect the sustainability of the Trust

All awards are made at the discretion of the Trustees who may vary the terms of the scheme at any time.  Any grant awarded, which is not used for the declared purpose, should be repaid to the Trust.