Tribal Group has now activated the page where community groups can apply to the Empty Homes Community Grant Fund. You can link to the web-page from here.
Downloadable documents include a rather terse set of FAQs that will doubtless be added to and the application form and notes. . The application form has obviously received a lot of careful attention (it's version 6.2) and already answers some of the queries in our initial news story last week.
The FAQs state that only companies limited by guarantee can apply, but this means as opposed to companies limited by shares. The application form seems to suggest that that it is possible for unincorporated bodies to apply but this is not specifically stated (there are references to the need for people receiving grant or "successful applicants" to meet certain criteria, as opposed to needitng to meet the criteria to be eligible to apply in the first place. Local authorities, of course, are not eligible.) This is welcome as it suggests start-up bodies can apply but the ambiguity needs to be dispelled.
The application form has a welcome simplicity and overall is less amiguous than many grant application forms that have come out over the years. There is no mention in the application form of "revolving funds".
The application form reveals there is now a time as well as a date attached to the deadline for applications - 5.00 pm on the 17th April; and the application needs to be submitted electronically, withi hard copies due two days later. Decisions will be communicated to applicants in June if all goes according to plan.