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SUC

Souldern United Charity (SUC)

Education Grants Policy

A PDF version of this policy is also available.

1. Purpose

Souldern United Charity (SUC) provides educational grants to support residents of Souldern who are undertaking education, training or skills development that involves significant personal costs.

The purpose of these grants is to help individuals while they access opportunities that may enhance their education, skills, employment prospects, personal development or future career.

2. Eligibility

Education grants are available to Souldern residents of all ages.

Applicants must have a genuine connection to Souldern and should explain their link to the village as part of their application.

The grants are not means tested. Applicants’ personal financial circumstances will not normally be taken into account when assessing eligibility.

3. Grants Available

SUC offers two types of Education Grant. An applicant may apply for one or both grants, subject to the maximum amounts and availability of SUC funds.

Grant A – Education, Training and Skills Development Grant

A grant of up to £250 is available to a Souldern resident who is about to embark on a recognised:

Grant B – Specialist Equipment Grant

A grant of up to £250 is available towards the cost of specialist equipment that is required to undertake a course of education, training or skills development.

Applicants should explain why the equipment is necessary for the course or training.

Where an equipment grant is awarded, the applicant should retain and, where requested, provide copies of relevant invoices or receipts as evidence of the expenditure.

In addition to the grants described above, Souldern residents may apply for an Education Grant for an educational, training or skills-development purpose that is not specifically covered by the descriptions of Grant A or Grant B.

Any such application will be considered entirely at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of Souldern United Charity (SUC), taking into account the circumstances of the application, the purpose of the proposed expenditure and the funds available to SUC.

4. Exclusions

Education grants will not normally be awarded towards university tuition fees or general living costs. This is because eligible students may be able to obtain assistance towards these costs through Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans available through the Student Loan Company.

The grants are intended to provide additional support for education, training and skills development costs that are not otherwise covered by these arrangements.

5. Application Information

Applicants should provide sufficient information to enable the Board of Trustees to understand the proposed course or training and the purpose of the grant. It would be helpful if applications include:

  1. Course or training details
    • Name and description of the course, training scheme or skills development programme.
    • Duration of the course or training.
    • Whether it is full-time or part-time.
    • Name of the educational or training provider, where applicable.
  2. Reason for undertaking the course or training
    • An outline of the applicant’s reasons for undertaking the course or training.
  3. Intended outcome
    • A description of what the applicant hopes to achieve through completing the course or training, such as gaining qualifications, developing skills, improving employment prospects or pursuing a particular career or activity.
  4. Connection to Souldern
    • An explanation of the applicant’s link to Souldern and confirmation that they are a Souldern resident.
  5. Details of the costs
    • The amount requested.
    • A description of what the grant will be used for.
    • For specialist equipment, details of the equipment required and its cost.

Where possible, applicants should provide supporting information such as course documentation, quotations or details of the equipment required.

6. Assessment of Applications

Applications will be considered by the Board of Trustees of Souldern United Charity. The Trustees will consider, amongst other things:

7. Level of Grant

The maximum grant available under either category is £250.

The Trustees may award an amount below the maximum depending on the circumstances of the application, the costs involved and the funds available.

Applying for a grant does not guarantee that a grant will be awarded, or that the full amount requested will be approved.

8. Availability of Funds

All Education Grants are subject to Souldern United Charity having sufficient funds available at the time the application is considered.

The Trustees reserve the right to decline or defer an application where sufficient funds are not available.

9. Evidence of Expenditure

Applicants receiving a Specialist Equipment Grant should retain invoices and/or receipts relating to the equipment purchased.

SUC may request copies of these documents to confirm that the grant has been used for the purpose for which it was awarded.

10. Trustee Discretion

The Board of Trustees retains discretion in relation to the interpretation and application of this policy and may take account of individual circumstances when considering an application.

The Trustees’ decision on whether to award a grant, and the amount awarded, will be final.

11. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Board of Trustees of Souldern United Charity to ensure that it remains appropriate and reflects the Charity’s objectives, available funds and the educational needs of Souldern residents.

Policy approved by: Board of Trustees, Souldern United Charity, August 2026