Governance
Grant-Making Policy
The purpose of this policy is to set out the principles, criteria and processes that govern how the British Muslim COVID-19 Fund grants will be awarded.
Part 1: OVERVIEW
British Muslim COVID-19 Fund is a special emergency fund that has brought together a group of charities to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in the UK.
The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting all of our lives, and while we make sense of this new reality, our institutions and organisations are facing extreme pressure. At this difficult time, for us all, we’re determined to do everything we can to support the institutions and people leading on the front line battling against COVID-19 and its wider impact.
Peace and Relief International (charity number 1143355) will act as an umbrella organisation. Peace and Relief International aims, as set out in its Deed of Trust, are to raise funds for poverty and education projects, mainly in overseas territories. But right now we have joined forces with other charities and created a taskforce to assist those combating COVID-19. The institutions, organisations and volunteer groups in the UK will be crucial in the fight against the devastating effects of COVID-19 and require urgent financial assistance.
The trustees of Peace and Relief International together with other charities have determined that the British Muslim COVID-19 Fund is managed and administered by a special working party comprised of:
- , made up of vetted volunteers, they will be responsible for carrying out due diligence on all funding applications received. Any proposal that the Case Worker Panel consider eligible and worthy of support will be put to the Advisory Panel. Applicants whose applications are not put forward to the Advisory Panel will not have a right of appeal.
- , consisting of senior representatives from other charities and Peace and Relief International. They will review all applications passed on to them by the Case Workers Panel. Thereafter, they will make the final decision on [1] approving [2] rejecting [3] providing a percentage of grant requested. They will make decision based on its merit and funding available. Again applicants whose applications are rejected will not have a right of appeal.
Priorities for support
The trustees of Peace and Relief International and other charities have determined that the British Muslim COVID-19 Fund, at the current time, be focused on the following three key priorities:
Approach
The Fund delivers its key objectives through the following grant-making vehicles:
All applications will only be considered via direct applications through the website at www.BritishMuslimCovid19Fund.co.uk
Geographic extent
The Fund wishes to support causes across the whole of the UK. For the time being overseas applications are not to be considered.
Exclusions
The Fund will not approve the use of funds for purposes for non COVID-19 related activities.
Due Diligence
All grants will be subject to Due Diligence Policy having been undertaken.
Recognising their duty to safeguard charitable assets, the Advisory Panel confirms that any third party organisation receiving support from the Fund must be:
In all cases, the Case Worker Panel and the Advisory Panel will ensure that organisations have in place appropriate governance and financial handling policies and procedures to ensure the appropriate safeguarding and use of charitable funds.
Zakat Donations
Any grant or donation which it is intended to support via Zakat funds must comply with Zakat rules. If it is unclear whether a grant or donation is in line with the Zakat rules, the Fund will seek further advice. The final decision on whether a donation/grant is to be made using Zakat funds rests with the Advisory Panel.
PART 2 – GRANT PROGRAMMES
A) Major Grants
Principles
When the Fund considers supporting an organisation through its major grant programme, the following criteria should be met:
In addition, the following principles apply:
All applications from previous recipients of grants or from previously unsuccessful applicants will be considered by the Case Worker Panel and Advisory Panel on their own merits. Although the Panels will have regard to the outcome of the previous grant, any new application will in no way receive preferential or adverse consideration.
Grant application process
Proposals for support must be received through the Fund’s website at www.BritishMuslimCovid19Fund.co.uk
The following are prerequisites to submit a proposal:
The Fund applies a two-stage assessment process:
Applicants should note that, as with many other charitable trusts, the Fund may receive far more applications than it has funds to support. Even if a project fits within the criteria and priorities of the Fund and a detailed assessment has been made, the Fund may still be unable to provide a grant.
There are no appeal procedures for unsuccessful applications and the Advisory Panel decision will be final. The Panel will not be obliged to provide an explanation to the applicant should their application be unsuccessful but will endeavour to provide constructive feedback.
Monitoring and Publication
It is the policy of the Fund for the Advisory Panel to have been reasonably satisfied before making the grant. To this end, before a grant can be confirmed, any concerns should be raised with the applicant.
If the grant is payable in instalments, then payment of subsequent grant instalments will be dependent on satisfactory progress having been demonstrated and the Panel reserve the right to withdraw the grant on receipt of unsatisfactory progress reports. Failure to submit reports at the time specified by the Panel may also jeopardise the continuation of the Fund’s support. The Fund also provides in its grant agreement for the repayment of funds provided in the event that such funds have not been used for the purposes agreed.
In addition the Advisory Panel may demand reports detailing progress, grant recipients will be expected to provide a statement of how their grant monies have been spent.
The Fund also expect to receive copies of any published articles, papers or other outputs which may result from the project, including all media coverage. The Fund also reserves the right to publish on Peace and Relief International and other participating organisation’s websites (or literature) the named organisation that the Fund has assisted and the specific initiative.
Following the conclusion of the project, the grant recipient will (where appropriate) be expected to submit a final report, detailing fully the results and outputs from the project. The grant recipient should inform the Fund of any extenuating circumstances whereby the submission of the final report is delayed, to allow a mutually acceptable date for submission to be agreed.
B) Small Grants
Principles
The Fund will administer a grants and donations programme by which to support Community groups, grass roots organisations, Food banks and other volunteer groups. The maximum grant or donation available under this scheme will be £1,000.00 (One Thousand Pounds)
To be eligible for a small grant or donation, the following criteria must be met
Applications process
Applications for individual grants or donations must be made using the Fund’s online application form at www.BritishMuslimCovid19Fund.co.uk
Case Worker Panel are responsible for checking that any grant or donation is in line with the Fund’s Objects and will deliver benefit to the COVID-19 objectives. The Case Worker Panel is also responsible for providing appropriate evidence to ensure that recipients are eligible for and appropriate to receive a grant or donation. Approval to award the grant or donation will be by the Advisory Panel, whose decision will be final with no appeal procedures.
Monitoring and reporting
The panel will require proof that the grant has been used for the purposes agreed. No further monitoring will be required, unless agreed otherwise in advance.