FAQs

The Bid Sparks Fund has host organisations in each Neighbourhood. They along with Southend City Council Team and the Community Builders Team are there to support you throughout the application process.  This includes things like completing the forms, submitting reports, connecting you with other people and finding out if you idea is feasible

We will ensure that the £20,000 is only used in your neighbourhood/locality and not used in another, if needed we will hold another round of Big Sparks for projects to come forward and apply again at a later date.

All successful applicants with be provided with some guidance and support packs to capture the activity of their project.  This will include a basic expense tracker and an online reporting form will be available at key stages

• 3 months
• 6months
• completion of project

You will guided and supported throughout this process.

The Big Sparks hosts are there to support you with this if need be. We would recommend always keeping product purchase receipts safe, and trying to not use cash where possible. Always keep copies of bank statements as well, because you can then look back at those to check things.

It’s important when taking any photos or videos to get consent from the people who are in them. Always check that people are happy to be shared on social media or in other media formats like newspapers and newsletters.

The Big Sparks Hosts are there to support you throughout your project. If things aren’t going to plan, they will be able to provide guidance and suggestions.

This will depend on your specific project, so it’s important to check this with a professional. At a minimum, Public Liability Insurance would be needed for any funded project.

This will need to be sourced by those leading the project from the community.  Unfortunately the Big Sparks Team cannot advise on this, please seek guidance from the Insurance Companies.

All projects with children must comply with legal safeguarding policies and law, including conducting DBS checks where relevant.

One vote per person, per household, for one project only.