Purpose

Award of Community Grant to Dramatize CIC for Social Value Cafe.

Decision

Community Grant of £35,000 awarded to Dramatize CIC for a Social Value initiative to support communities, residents and groups across Guildford.

Reasons for the decision

The project aims to establish a financially sustainable social enterprise café in Millmead Council Offices that will provide a welcoming community space while creating supported employment, volunteering and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. The café will operate as a social enterprise, generating income to support its long-term sustainability and reducing reliance on grant funding over time.

Alternative options considered

Another option considered was to offer a reduced amount of funding, or not to fund the project at all. However, this option was considered but discounted as it would not enable the delivery of the proposed project or the associated community benefits. The recommended option represents the best use of the available funding to achieve the Council’s objectives and deliver positive outcomes for local residents and communities.