Applying to Develop a CRS

The Application Process

Each application to purchase and develop a site is assessed and prioritised in order to ensure that the proposed developments meet the criteria for community use and will be of benefit to the people of Milton Keynes. Applications are assessed based on the criteria of need, reach, impact, diversity, sustainability (both financial and environmental) and the suitability of the project within the surrounding environment.

The application process is also intended to illustrate whether the organisation applying for the site has the capacity and resources to undertake a successful development and manage, maintain and sustain the facilities following the completion of the build.

Please note that there are no deadlines for applying. Groups are welcome to contact our Grants Director on 01908 690276 to discuss their project ideas.

Stage 1:

Contact us to arrange a meeting with our Grants Director and a representative from our managing agents to discuss your proposed project in more detail. At the meeting, if your proposal description fits within our eligibility requirements, you will be advised that you may proceed to Stage 2.

Stage 2:

Your group submits an Expression of Interest Form, outlining the principle details of your proposal, along with your organisation’s constitution, 3 years of accounts and a business plan. The Grants Team, assisted by the Foundation’s Community Representatives, will assess the Expression of Interest Form and our Finance Director will review the financial information.

Stage 3:

If all parties are happy to proceed following the assessment of the Expression of Interest Form, your group will be invited to submit a detailed Community Reserve Site Application Form, along with some supporting documentation.

Your application will be fully assessed by the Milton Keynes Community Foundation’s Grants Team and a panel of our Community Representatives for formal recommendation. All applications will be assessed in compliance with the Foundation’s grant scoring scheme, taking into account the demonstrated need and demand within the community, the ability of the project to reach the targeted beneficiaries, the sustainability of the proposal, its innovation and uniqueness as well as the profile and track record of the applicant organisation.

If successful, the application will then be presented to the Foundation’s next Property Board meeting where the Trustees will make a final decision. You can expect to receive a letter confirming the final decision within 5 working days of the Property Board meeting. Property Board meetings are held every 3 months.

Stage 4:

Once you have received confirmation of the success of your application, we will confirm which site is to be developed along with the valuation to purchase the 125-year lease. You will have an opportunity to place a two-year reservation on the site and pay a reservation fee to enable your group the time to raise the funds you will need to purchase the site and commence the build. Reservations can also be renewed once if required, but it is a condition of the lease that the building is completed within three years of the lease being signed.

To download an Expression of Interest Form, or visit our Forms and Guidelines page.

If you would like any further information or need help with your application please contact the Grants Team on 01908 690276 or e-mail information@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk