The aim of the Small Grants Scheme is to enable individuals, societies and/or Federations undertake initiatives that require additional funding. Its purpose is not to ‘balance the books’, nor to meet a deficit that becomes apparent after an event. Nor is it simply to promote the name and activities of ABPS. To this end, applications for a small grant must be received no later than three months prior to the staging of the event.

Funding should be for activities that promote the hobby or encourage membership of a society. In other words, funding should be for something ‘special’, not simply for routine items that should be covered by the budget for the event.

Applications should set out:

a) the purpose for which the grant is sought

b) what it is hoped the initiative will achieve

c) a budget for the event, including the activity for which the grant is sought.

After the event, it will be required that

a) a short report is submitted, particularly emphasising how the grant was used, and the results of the initiative: this may be published in full or part in ABPS News

b) a final account for the event is submitted

c) if the event shows a surplus in excess of the amount of the grant, it is expected that part or all of the grant be repaid.

Here are examples. If a stamp fair or exhibition is being held, it is assumed the organiser will ensure that the basic expenditure (hire of room, display frames, judges, etc) is met by the budgeted income. However, if it is thought worthwhile publicising the event to a wider public, say by taking an advertisement in a local newspaper, that cost could be met by a small grant. However, such a request must be accompanied by an indication of what it is aimed to achieve: in our example, if the event were advertised to a wider public, what additional attractions would be provided to appeal to a non-committed audience, and how might any potential collectors be further encouraged?

Might a public meeting at which an excellent speaker gave a talk on an aspect of the hobby prove beneficial? Could a daytime meeting of a society attract membership? Could a local library be used as a way of reaching a new audience? Is there a way of attracting potential young collectors in your area? In such cases, a small grant could help with the cost.

Applications for Small Grants should be sent to Peter O’Keeffe, 8 Stainer Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 4DR.