Applying to Develop a CRS

The Application Process

Each application to purchase and develop a site is assessed and prioritised  to ensure 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.

Organisations wishing to explore the possibility of developing a CRS need to be aware that it is not until their proposal reaches Stage 4, (see below), that a specific CRS can be confirmed for their development (CRS Application Process Flowchart).  Groups are strongly advised not to focus on or invest their time on a particular community reserve site when submitting an Expression of Interest, but instead to detail the activities they wish to undertake and the size of building they plan to develop.  As part of the assessment process we will endeavour to help your group identify the most suitable CRS during Stage 4.

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, stating your 1st and 2nd choice of sites, 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 and Finance Director will then review this stage. While full consideration will be given to your preferred site, we will also discuss with you at this stage alternative development sites available and suited to your proposal.

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.

Further Extension of Reservation

If you are successful at obtaining two 2-year reservation periods, but at the end of the four years, are not yet ready to move forward with the build, you will be required to submit a new and updated application form.  This new application should include a detailed strategy for raising the remaining funds necessary for the development.  The Trustees will review this submission, and may offer a final two years of reservation.  If, however, the plans detailed in the application are not felt to be sufficient, you will not be granted a new reservation and you will not be permitted to reapply for 12 months.

Download a CRS Application Process Flowchart and an Expression of Interest Form form our CRS 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 info@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk