Almost all local authorities make grants to voluntary and community organisations. However, each one will manage budgets, administration and support differently according to local priorities and resources.
Historically, specific departments within local authorities,
such as Education, Housing or Social Services, have their own grant
schemes to allocate to voluntary and community groups. Each having
their own specific criteria, application procedure and timescales,
although in recent years some local authorities are choosing to
adopt a 'corporate' application form.
One of the main differences in local authority funding over the
last decade has been the move away from traditional grant schemes
towards contracts and service level agreements. This is of
particular importance to voluntary and community organisations
working in social services and health.
Many local authorities employ voluntary sector liaison or
funding officers to provide advice and support. Local county voluntary councils
(CVCs) should also have details of local authority funding.