vInspired Cashpoint
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Frequently asked questions
Before you apply to vInspired cashpoint
Q. What sort of projects will vInspired cashpoint fund?
A. We fund volunteering projects that have a clear benefit for other people. The project could be of benefit to the community where you live, or where you spend most of your time, or a group of people that you would like to help. The project should be a new idea or something that you have tried before but would like to do differently. Take a look at examples of projects we have funded before.
Q How old do I have to be to apply?
A. You need to be between 14 and 25 to apply.
Q. Will I need to prove my age?
A. Yes. When you are completing your application you will be asked to upload a scan or a photo of your ID. This could be a copy of your passport, birth certificate or driving license.
Q. Can I apply from anywhere in the UK?
A. Anyone who lives in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands is eligible to apply for a Cashpoint grant. Unfortunately vInspired Cashpoint does not currently operate in Wales. We would love to change this, so if you are based in Wales please do sign up for updates with vInspired.com and watch this space. "Diolch yn fawr".
Q. How much money can I apply for?
A. Up to £500.
Q. How long should my project last?
A. Your project should be finished and the funds used within two months of the start date.
Q. Who else should I be working with?
A. Your project should create a least two more volunteering opportunities for 14-25 year olds (in addition to you).
Q. How do you define a volunteer?
A. Someone who does something that benefits individuals, groups,or the wider community. These are the young people (14-25) that will help manage and carry out a project including the applicant – this activity is unpaid.
Q. Can I use money from cashpoint towards a bigger project?
A. No. We only fund small projects and want to be the only funder for your project.
Q. Can I apply through an organisation I volunteer with?
A. No, cashpoint funding is for individual young people (or small groups) who have developed a project idea and will run the project themselves.
Q. Can I get support from a support worker to help me with the project?
A. Of course, but we want you to be in charge! If you need support from a teacher, youth worker or someone else to apply for a grant or run the project, your support worker must complete the relevant section of the application form. It’s important that they tell us how they’ll make sure that you stay in charge of the project.
Q. Can I put in more than one application at a time?
A. No. You can only deliver cashpoint project at a time. When you have successfully finished your project you are welcome to submit another application for a new project.
Q. Can I run a project which aims to raise money?
A. No, cashpoint does not fund projects that involve raising funds – for example, charging participants to take part, selling goods or services or raising funds for other charities, organisations or activities.
Once you have submitted your application.
Q. What happens next?
A. If we like your idea, we will give you a call to talk about it. In your application, you will be asked to choose the best time to call you. Once we’ve spoken to you our Panel will decide whether to fund the project or not.
Q. Can I start my project straight away?
A. You need to wait until we have given you a decision before you start your project, this could take up to six weeks. In the meantime it’s a great idea to carry on planning your project.
Q. How should I keep in touch with vInspired about my project?
A. vInspired need you to keep in touch about how you are getting on. We will phone you to ask you how you are progressing half way through your project and ask you to complete an end of project report when you have finished. You will also be asked to start adding your volunteering hours on the website so that you can complete a vInspired award. Click here to find out more about the awards.
Q: How will the funding get paid to me?
A: If your application is successful, vInspired will set up a new joint bank account for your project funds to be paid into. In order to set this up we will need you to:
• Sign a short application form
• Sign a ‘debit card’ agreement form
You will then be issued with a pre-paid debit card which will be credited with your grant award.
Q. Do I need to keep my receipts?
A. Yes, please keep receipts for anything that you buy over £25. You may be asked to submit them at the end of your project.
