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Application Process

The Village CORE Programme application process consists of the following stages:

Stage 1: Initial telephone enquiry

Any community interested in applying for the Village CORE programme should telephone Donna Smith or Harriet English on 01993 814377 for an informal discussion of their project and to assess their eligibility as a beneficiary of the Village CORE Programme.

Stage 2: Grant application

The community is then required to formally submit an application which will be sent out following the initial telephone enquiry. For information, full guidance notes can be downloaded here:- 

Guidance Notes (Word)

An application will normally take no longer than six weeks to be assessed and for a decision to be taken. Applications should be sent electronically to ruralcommunityshops@plunkett.co.uk with a signed copy and any supporting documentary evidence sent to:
Village CORE Programme
Plunkett Foundation
The Quadrangle
Oxfordshire
OX20 1LH

On receipt of the application, the application will be assessed to decide whether it meets the basic eligibility criteria for support. Clarification of any sections of the application form may be required by email or telephone at this stage. In the case that the application does not meet the eligibility criteria or the application is not recommended for support for any other reason the applicant will be notified in writing, stating the reasons why the application cannot be supported.

Applications which are recommended for support will be notified in writing and invited to submit a loan application to Co-operative and Community Finance.

Stage 3: Applying for the loan

It is at this stage of the application that you will need to apply for the loan from Co-operative and Community Finance. You can download the form from here.

Co-operative and Community Finance Loan Application Form

 

Stage 4: Grant release

The grant will only be released once the following steps have been fulfilled.

  • The Village CORE Programme application form has been received electronically and a signed version received by post
  • The Plunkett Foundation have issued a letter of approval and advised you to apply for the loan from Co-operative and Community Finance
  • The loan approval and loan release letters have been received directly from Co-operative and Community Finance
  • Evidence of your legal structure has been received
  • Evidence of secured and anticipated funds from the community has been received.
  • Signed terms and conditions have been received.
  • Successful applicants will be notified once the final stage of the application has been fulfilled and arrangements will be made to release the grant into the shop bank account.

For enquiries on application criteria please visit the contact us page:

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