See it and Believe it grants
"See it and Believe it" is the National CLT Network's peer to peer learning exchange programme for community organisations. It gives new projects the chance to visit successful CLTs across the country, to learn from their experience and share ideas.
Who is eligible?
The programme is open to existing and prospective members of the National CLT Network. You don't need to be a Community Land Trust to apply - we welcome applications from all types of community-led housing groups - but where demand is high we will give preference to groups who have, or are looking to adopt, a CLT structure.
Not sure whether your project counts? Visit our What are CLTs? page for more information.
Grants are available for emerging groups working on their first project, and established CLTs who want to develop a new scheme.
How much is available?
We usually offer grants of £500 per group. We will consider awarding grants of £750 where a group has an exceptionally strong business case for the visit, and can demonstrate value for money.
Grants will be paid half upfront and half in arrears.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant pays for your community group to visit an established CLT. You'll take a tour of their project and spend time with them getting advice on your own scheme. For example, you might discuss business planning, engaging with your community, finding land or working with your local authority.
The grant will cover
- the cost of your travel
- catering and room hire
- a fee for your hosts
It will be up to you to agree with your hosts what to discuss, how long to spend there, and how many people will take part. Your hosts will also agree a fee with you.
What do we require in return?
After your visit, we require you to complete a short report on the day (which we may choose to display on the website). This should explain what you achieved through the visit, and how it will help your project. You should use the following template report.
We will also need to see a breakdown of how you spent the grant, backed up with receipts. Once we have the receipts and report, we will pay the second installment.
How to apply
Start by identifying the scheme you want to visit. You should agree with them the length and cost of the visit, and what you want to get out of the trip. The guidance note will help you think through these questions.
Once you have agreed your objectives, fill out the application form and return it with a copy of your bank details on your organisation's letterhead to:
Hannah.fleetwood@housing.org.uk or to Hannah Fleetwood, National CLT Network, Lion Court, 25 Procter Street, London WC1V 6NY
You'll need to show a clear purpose for the grant, and how the visit will substantially help your own project.
If we approve your application, we'll pay half the grant upfront, and half in arrears.
Identifying your hosts
The following schemes have all agreed to host community groups as part of See it and Believe it. If you would like to get in touch with them, contact Hannah.fleetwood@housing.org.uk.
- St Minver CLT, Cornwall
- Worth Community Property Trust, Dorset
- Holsworthy Community Property Trust, Devon
- High Bickington Community Property Trust, Devon
- Bishops Castle & District CLT, Shropshire
- Cashes Green CLT, Gloucestershire
- Lyvennet CT, Cumbria
- Homebaked CLT, Liverpool
- Glendale Gateway Trust, Northumberland
- East London CLT, London
- Coin Street Community Builders, London
If you would like to use See it and Believe it to visit a scheme which isn't listed here, send a copy of their contact details with your application.
If you are interested in hosting schemes as part of See it and Believe it, contact Hannah Fleetwood at Hannah.fleetwood@housing.org.uk or on 020 7067 1039.
Further advice
If you would like help to identify an exchange partner, to discuss your idea in more detail, or need any further advice about the grant programme, contact Hannah Fleetwood at the National CLT Network:
Hannah.fleetwood@housing.org.uk or 020 7067 1039.
Visitors and hosts: the following guidance note will help you think through what's involved in the visit, and how to get the most out of the day.