Answers to questions asked about the democratic engagement grant.
Can I apply for funding for multiple years?
Yes, our grant scheme allows us to support applications for funding bids ranging from several months to several years, up until 31 March 2028.
Is there a maximum amount that I can apply for?
We understand that organisations of different sizes will have interest in our grant, and we are keen to encourage projects of all scales. With that in mind, we have not set a maximum limit for applications. However, as the grant is awarding public funds, we ask that all organisations applying for funding can demonstrate value for money in their bid.
If I am successful, is the funding awarded in a lump sum at the beginning?
No. The payments made to successful applicants are done through arrears, meaning our funding is used to recover against expenditure experienced in delivering the agreed activity.
How do I submit a claim form?
A claim form will be issued to organisations during each quarter of the financial years that their project is active. Details on how to fill out the form and what to include are contained within the form itself. Once we have received the claim form and are satisfied with what has been detailed, funding will be released to cover the costs noted in the form.
Do I need to provide targets for my project in the application?
Yes. An aspect of evidencing your projects success and failures should come from it’s performance against a set of agreed targets. In the application form, there is a section titled ‘Monitoring and Delivery’ that asks for you to detail how you will measure success against your proposed outcomes. Use that space to not only detail the methods you will be using, but also the targets that you will set yourself.
Can a local authority partner with another organisation who will be responsible for the delivery of activity?
Yes. We understand the limited resources that local authority electoral teams operate with, and we are happy for them to apply in partnership with another organisation who intends to be responsible for the delivery aspect of the activity. The local authority will act as the project lead and be responsible for reporting back on activity, ensuring claims are correct and submitted appropriately and be the lead data controller.
The grant conditions state that at the end of the project, there is a need for a self-evaluation to be undertaken, is there a template I can use?
Whilst there is no requirement for organisations to follow a specific format when evaluating their project, a template can be provided towards the end of the project should that be your preferred choice.
If you have a question or comment that you would like to discuss further with a Welsh Government official, you are welcomed to contact us via our dedicated mailbox: Etholiadau.Elections@gov.wales.