Cylch Investment Programme FAQs

How do I apply?
We have a simple application form which is available from your Cylch Field Officer (FO). Please complete this and send it in along with the checklist of accompanying documents listed at the end of the form.

What is the deadline for applications?
This is an open funding programme and you can submit your application at any time. Once you have submitted your application form and the accompanying documents, we will liaise with you over the next few weeks to determine if any additional information is needed before the application is considered by our committee. The committee meets twice a month and we will get the decision to you within a week of that meeting.

Is it the same form for a loan?
Yes, the process is the same although we are likely to ask you for additional information in greater detail as a loan investment requires a greater level of scrutiny (both from us and also from you).We will be looking to see that you have included financial forecasts that illustrate how you can make any loan repayments and also that you have considered what risks your organisation may face.

Whereas we may accept a grant application without a business plan and financial forecasts these will need to be in place for a loan investment. If you do not have these at present you may be able to get support from us to help develop these either through a grant award or support from one of our staff.

How can I work out loan repayments?
We have simple spreadsheets available that can help you with this and we are very happy to come and meet with you to go through the various options for differing amounts and terms.

My Board/trustees are unsure about the idea of loans – what should I do?
All Boards should consider any loans carefully and again we have staff available that will come and talk to Boards/staff to go through the issues involved in taking on loan finance. We also have literature available for you to read but often a face to face meeting with the opportunity to ask questions is a much better option.

If we take on a loan will staff or trustees be personally liable?
No. If you are an incorporated organisation, there is no personal liability unless anyone acts fraudulently or negligently.

Can I apply more than once?
Yes. You can make as many applications as you like. Obviously we are hoping to get a representative spread of the grant awards so you are less likely to get more than one of these. However if you already have a grant but another great opportunity presents itself, apply again and the committee will consider whether they feel another award is justified. We will actively encourage organisations to consider perhaps looking at a starter investment once they have had a grant award. We hope that the grant award will uncover potential projects which you may look at coming back to CIP for further support from either a starter investment or a loan.

Can I suggest ideas for the CIP training Programme?
Yes. We would welcome ideas for the training programme. We don’t want to replicate what is on offer elsewhere but where we uncover training needs or members request support, we may be able to put together tailored training to try to address these issues.

Should I contact Charity Bank or Cylch?
Either. We are working in partnership to deliver this programme. All applications will go through your Cylch FO so they are usually the best first port of call. If you want details of your FO please contact the Cylch office on 029 2064 9750.

If you have any specific queries regarding the programme or loans and want to talk directly to Charity Bank staff please call either Sara Main (07961 566417) or Ian Alexander (07801 910829). All enquiries and applications are dealt with confidentially and the development and processing of applications is administered together by Charity Bank and Cylch staff.