Busman’s holiday for bid writing
It’s been a busy time for writing bid content – there have been a lot of end of July deadlines to meet.
The right applications are like buses – you wait for ages for the right one to come along and then three turn up at once (with the same closing date!)
Trustees of grant making charities don't always meet during the summer to review funding applications, so even though the deadline is July, you may not get a decision until December, which means no cash until 2022!
This is the reason why applying for funding must be a planned activity, something you schedule in regularly.
I would encourage any not-for-profit to submit two or three applications every month, to ensure that income generation becomes a regular activity.
I have enjoyed supporting a couple of clients with their first steps into the world of grant funding applications.
I helped them to research which funding they were eligible for and which funders are right for them, having the same values and long-term goals. Setting a client’s expectation of what is achievable can be a difficult one. We can't always apply for £250,000 as our first application!
Enjoy your summer!
Wendy Ward, Let's Save
Depot Bakery announced as park cafe operators
Artisan bakery is coming to Hillsborough Park, after Age UK Sheffield announced the Depot Bakery will operate its new café at the Old Coach House.
The Depot Bakery currently operates from 92 Burton Road, in Neepsend. The Old Coach House will be an additional site for its artisanal baked breads, Viennoisse pastry, specialist espresso and filter coffee, alongside a freshly prepared hot and cold food menu.
Age UK Sheffield chief executive Steve Chu said: “We were hugely impressed by their commitment to high quality, locally- sourced products, their strong track record within Sheffield, and their exciting vision to bring a great customer café experience to Hillsborough Park.
“The Depot Bakery have been very receptive to our suggestions for how the lighting, decoration, furniture, and customer service offer can reflect the needs of people living with long-term conditions such as sight and hearing impairments, and dementia, and we are confident our café will be accessible for the entire local community.”
Depot Bakery director Ben Smith said: “This is a unique opportunity to work together with Age UK Sheffield and park stakeholders to create a café that we intend to become an established part of the local community and a valuable asset for all park users.
“We know the S6 community well and are looking forward to playing our own small part in the emerging independent-led food and drink scene in Hillsborough.”
Building work started on the Grade II-listed building in March. The Lottery funded, £1 million restoration project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, with the café opening in early 2022.
