Community Council Fund

[ed_pete]

To Admin - is it worth applying to the Council Community Fund for some funding ?http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourCouncil/communitycouncils/Communityfund.html

Applications are open until 15th May. Given that (at least) one local councillor is aware of how incredibly popular and useful the EDF is, it's got to be worth applying for some funding to assist the running costs, surely.

[Mark]

I'll answer this one Admin.

Thanks for that ed_pete, you're right, it is worth giving it a go and any help towards the running costs of the forum is appreciated.

Thanks again.

[macroban]

How much does it cost to run the EDF?

Do you need more money now?

I'd prefer to give you more money rather than you have to follow Southwark Council rules for getting a grant.

MacRoban

[SeanMacGabhann]

I don't know how much it costs but I've used the Donate button at the bottom of the page a couple of times

What would worry me if the grant money became involved is a sense of "well we pay for this foum so it should be run the way we say". I say it's Admin's - his gaff, his rules

[Mark]

I think that "how much 'control' would the council want" was the first thing that crossed my mind, but the application would stipulate that the forum could be run as it has been i.e. independently since it started. That's what Admin and the team would want but most importantly it's what the users would want.

The application would be as transparent as possible and if there were any areas of uncertainty the forum users would be asked for their opinions.

[SeanMacGabhann]

oops - I didn't mean to suggest that the council would want an influence (that never even crossed my mind) - more that some users might see the forum as paid for by them with tax money so who is Admin to limit them to the Lounge etc

[Mark]

hmmm, good point but then traffic lights are paid for by them with tax money and who are they to tell them when to stop/start. Hopefully people understand that there has to be rules to keep the place tidy and Admin just enforces them.

[candj]

Don't rely on the council please as it would ruin the independent nature that makes this place so fabulous (and good, bad and ugly). If the forum needs dosh please ask for it as you have done so in the past. We're happy to contribute.

Best,

-C

[Keef]

Not sure they'd want any control. I've applid for grants through work to run youth schemes, and they just give you the money and let you get on with it a lot of the time.

[ed_pete]

If the application was approved then I'd be very surprised if it came with any strings attached or impact on Admin's editorial freedom. If you are concerned it might then contact the coordinator beforehand. Personally I'd rather see a portion of my council tax go to the EDF than paying for "fun days" or "trips to theme parks"....on second thoughts perhaps the application should be for a forumites "fact-finding" day-trip to a local brewery ?

[????]

I have to agree, keep the council out, imagine, say, disgruntled forumites going to the council with some of the things that the forum has been accused of in the past bu businesses, individuals, trolls..the council would have to respond. "Can of worms" in my opinion

[SteveT]

How does one pay by cheque?

If you inform me how to,

I shall send a cheque for 2 years worth.

[charliecharlie]

I hope that when you (admin) asked for the ?6/7 donation some time ago that you got a good response....

If you need more funds you could always try that method again...

I love the way the forum has a feeling of independence...