Purpose

The
Community Chest Grant application from Melbourn Fete Committee
(WDPBHTJR) was
presented at the 24 April 2025 Grants Advisory Committee (GAC)
meeting.  The Committee recommended to
the Lead Cabinet Member for Resources to defer the application
pending further information on how funding would be targeted
specifically at those South Cambridgeshire residents who are most
in need.
 
The
applicant has since confirmed that the Melbourn Fete will be made
as inclusive as possible. The event, as already documented, is
specifically targeted at those experiencing financial difficulties
by offering free entry, heavily subsidised rides (maximum
£2), and free entertainment to remove cost barriers faced by
low-income families. It also supports local cost-of-living services
by donating profits and providing fundraising opportunities to
organisations including food banks and Homestart.

After reviewing the applicant’s response, and in the absence
of a May GAC meeting, the Chair has recommended to the Lead Cabinet
Member for Resources that the grant be approved and funded at the
full amount requested of £2,000.

The
application will be presented to the June GAC meeting for
information and for completeness.

Content

Funding
is granted (see above) and this decision will be highlighted in the
June 2025 Grants Advisory Committee meeting report. The criteria
for the Cost of Living Community Chest
will also be reviewed with regards to applications seeking funding
for ‘one-off’ events.