What is this Grant?

The Kingston Community Cooking Grant is a funding opportunity designed to support community organisations in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in delivering cooking programmes. These programmes aim to promote nutritional education, enhance cooking skills, and foster social inclusion among diverse community groups. The grant seeks to:

• Improve Nutritional Knowledge: Equip participants with the skills and information necessary to make healthier food choices.
• Develop Cooking Skills: Teach practical cooking techniques enabling individuals to prepare healthy meals independently.
• Promote Healthy Eating Habits: Encourage the adoption of healthier eating practices by incorporating nutritious ingredients into daily meals.
• Foster Social Inclusion: Create welcoming environments where participants from various backgrounds can interact, learn, and build community ties.
• Empower Vulnerable Groups: Target underserved populations, such as the elderly, young carers, disabled individuals, migrants, single parents, people with mental health challenges, those experiencing housing insecurity, and individuals with specific health concerns like diabetes or obesity.
  
  

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-Profit Organisations: Community groups, charities, and social enterprises operating within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.
• Community Interest Companies (CICs): Organisations committed to benefiting the community rather than private shareholders.
• Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and adult education providers with community outreach programmes.
• Faith-Based Organisations: Provided the proposed activities are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
  
  

Applicants must:

• Have a constitution or governing document.
• Have a bank account in the organisation’s name with at least two signatories.
• Be based in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames or primarily serve its residents.
• Ensure that the majority of participants are Kingston residents from the identified groups.
• Run the cooking classes within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.
  
  

Priority will be given to organisations that:

• Work with the following groups:
  • People from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds
  • People living with excess weight or obesity
  • People experiencing malnutrition
  • People with prediabetes, type 1, or type 2 diabetes
  • Single parents with limited cooking skills
  • People experiencing mental health challenges
  • People facing housing insecurity
  • Unemployed individuals or those on very low income
  • Other vulnerable or underserved groups
    
    

What Can Be Funded?

The grant can be used to cover costs directly associated with planning and delivering community cooking programmes, including:

• Project Coordinator/Staff Costs: Wages or stipends for those organising and running the sessions.
• Venue Hire: Costs for renting kitchens or spaces within Kingston suitable for cooking classes.
• Food and Ingredients: Purchasing nutritious ingredients for use during the sessions.
• Equipment and Materials: Essential cooking utensils, appliances, or educational materials needed for the programme.
• Promotion and Marketing: Designing and distributing promotional materials to attract participants.
• Volunteer Expenses: Reimbursement for travel or other expenses incurred by volunteers supporting the programme.
• Training and Support: Costs for additional support from nutritionists or specialists to enhance the programme's quality.
  
  

What Can't Be Funded?

The grant cannot be used for:

• Activities Outside Kingston: Projects must benefit residents of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and be conducted within the borough.
• Retrospective Funding: Costs incurred before the grant is awarded.
• Political or Religious Activities: Funds cannot support activities promoting political parties or religious worship.
• Capital Expenditures: Large-scale purchases like vehicles or building renovations.
• Personal Expenses: Funding personal needs not directly related to the project.
• Overhead Costs: General organisational running costs not specific to the project (e.g., utility bills, unrelated staff salaries).
  
  

Grant Amount

• Available Funding: Grants up to £1,800 are available.
• Number of Grants: A minimum of four groups will be funded in this round.
  
  

When is the Application Deadline?

• Application Opening Date: 18^th October
• Application Deadline: 18^th November
• Notification of Outcome: Applicants will be informed of the decision by 28^th November.

Please ensure your application is submitted by 5:00 PM on the deadline date. Late applications will not be considered.

How to Apply?

1. Complete the Application Form: Provide detailed information about your organisation and proposed project. The form includes sections on:
   • Organisation details and contact information.
   • Description of your organisation's purpose and beneficiaries.
   • Details about your proposed cooking programme, including:
     • Where and when it will take place.
     • Outline of meals you will be teaching.
     • How you will ensure the use of nutritious ingredients.
     • How you will address issues around food waste, health, and culture.
     • How you will engage volunteers.
     • How you will incorporate health messages into your programme.
     • How you will involve participants in designing the course.
     • Whether your programme will include any physical activities.
     • Whether you will be referring participants to relevant agencies as part of your programme.
     • What measures you will put in place to mitigate any risks.
   • Expected outcomes and how you will measure them.
     
     
2. Prepare Supporting Documents:
   • Organisation's Constitution or Governing Document: A copy of your constitution or similar document.
   • Bank Account Proof: A bank statement issued within the last three months, showing the account is in your organisation's name with two signatories.
   • Programme Schedule: A detailed plan or schedule outlining the sessions you intend to run.
   • Budget Breakdown: An itemised budget including:
     • Project coordinator/staff costs
     • Venue hire costs
     • Food and ingredients
     • Equipment and materials
     • Promotion and marketing
     • Volunteer expenses
     • Any additional costs
   • Policies: Relevant organisational policies such as safeguarding, health and safety, and equal opportunities.
     
     
3. Submission:
   • Online Application: Submit your completed application form and supporting documents online via the link provided on the Kingston Voluntary Action (KVA) website. Please follow the instructions on the website to ensure all sections are properly completed.
     
     
4. Assistance:
   • If you require help completing the application or have any questions, please contact us at kamal.mohamed@kva.org.uk

Additional Information

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Relevance: How well the project aligns with the grant's goals and targets the identified priority groups.
• Impact: The potential benefits to participants and the community, including the number of people reached.
• Feasibility: The practicality of the project's implementation plan, including access to suitable premises.
• Sustainability: Plans for the project's continuation beyond the grant period.
• Inclusivity: Efforts to engage diverse and underserved populations within Kingston.
• Value for Money: Efficient use of funds to maximise impact.
  
  

Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants will be expected to:

• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Measure Outcomes: Describe at least five positive changes expected in participants' lives (e.g., increased ability to cook from basic ingredients, increased consumption of vegetables and fruits, reduced use of frying when preparing food, improved mood or sleep patterns, enhanced social connections).
  • Data Collection: Implement methods to measure these outcomes (e.g., pre- and post-programme surveys, feedback forms, observation).
    
    
• Financial Accountability: Maintain accurate financial records and receipts for all expenses related to the grant.
  
  

Terms and Conditions

The terms of reference for the grant, including details on the use of funds, reporting requirements, and compliance, will be shared upon a successful application.

Support for Applicants

• Contact Us: For personalised support, please reach out via kamal.mohamed@kva.org.uk
  
  

We are excited to support initiatives that enrich our community through the joy of cooking and healthy eating. Your efforts play a crucial role in promoting health, well-being, and social connection within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

Apply here

 

We look forward to receiving your application!