The challenge
Stewkley Village Hall, originally built in 1925, faced a significant challenge in the form of a deteriorating roof that needed replacement. Alongside this critical repair, the community had a vision to enhance the hall’s energy efficiency and environmental sustainability including the installation of solar panels. To achieve these goals, the village hall needed to raise over £124,000.
The solution
To secure the necessary funding for the project, the committee approached Community Impact Bucks through its subscription to the Community Building Service for guidance. The support provided included:
- A guide to completing funding application
- Top tips on funding applications
- A guide to community building funding
- A guide to funding directories and the offer to run a session to help the hall navigate the Bucks Funding Search.
Community Impact Bucks also supported the village hall with their application to the Platinum Jubilee Fund, offering a FAQ session and reviewing their application before submission, in their role as a member of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).
The result
The committee successfully raised the required £124,000, primarily through the donation of roof tiles from a local company, three grant applications and the support of the local community.
Once the work is completed it will enhance the hall’s energy efficiency to reduce heating and electricity costs and lower the hall’s carbon footprint. By embracing renewable energy sources such as solar panels, the hall aims to save at least 30% on electricity charges annually, contributing to both cost-effectiveness and environmental preservation.
“We appreciated the support that Community Impact Bucks advisors gave for our grant application the Platinum Jubilee Fund. Frankie was very approachable, knowledgeable, and worked flexibly to help us meet the funding deadline.” -Stewkley Village Hall
Further information
- For more information on Stewkley Village Hall, visit the Stewkley Village Hall website.
- For more information on how Community Impact Bucks helps Buckinghamshire’s community buildings and village halls, go to our Community Buildings webpage. If you would like to speak to someone about your community building/ village hall, please email Frankie on info@communityimpactbucks.org.uk
- For more information on running your organisation, Charities and groups webpage for a range of online resources, and to see our range of practical workshops, visit Training and events webpage.
