Request for Funding Award Applications
The Derwentside Trust for Sports and Arts (DTSA), trading as Leisureworks, managed the Derwentside located sports and leisure facilities of Durham County Council, between 2007 and 2018. The trustees of the DTSA are managing the process of dissolution of the Charitable Organisation and have some surplus funds which must be distributed in line with the Trust’s Articles, which state: surplus funds should be given or transferred to some other charitable institution having objects similar to the objects of the society.
The Objects of the society are as follows:
The society has been established for the benefit of the public at large and in particular those who live, work or visit the Derwentside area (the primary area of benefit) for the following charitable purposes:
- To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the public at large save that special facilities may be provided for persons who by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances may have need of special facilities and/or services: and/or
- To promote and preserve good health through community participation in healthy recreation: and/or
- To encourage individuals to participate in and maximise their potential in active recreation:
- To advance public education by the encouragement of culture and the arts: and/or
- Such other charitable purposes beneficial to the community consistent with the objects above as the Trustees shall in their absolute discretion determine.
Applicants from not-for-profit Sports and Arts organisations and Community Groups, who are based in the former Derwentside area can apply. There will be two categories of awards.
- Grants of up to £1000. Applications will be considered from organisations:
- based within the former Derwentside District (Post Codes DH7, DH8, DH9 and NE16
- are not-for-profit and operate under a formal constitution
- have Objects which are consistent with those of the society
- have a minimum of 2 years accounts
- hold a bank account in the name of the organisation
- demonstrating a funding need
- Grants in excess of £1000. These awards are intended for organisations who are embarking on a more substantial project. Applications will be considered from
- organisations who meet the criteria identified in 1a to 1f above
- can demonstrate the source of the balance of finance for the project.
The Board of Trustees will form the awarding panel. The award will be at the discretion of the Board and will be the final arbitrator. Applications must meet the criteria above with successful applications being further assessed on the deliverable benefits particularly, increasing or maintaining the reach of the organisation and/or supporting an enduring and sustainable development.
Applications for an award must be submitted through an application form and can be requested by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Closing date for completed applications is 14 February 2025.
