Frequently Asked Questions

Background

Why has O2 launched It's Your Community?
O2 wants to contribute to the development and sustainability of society, by bringing together its customers, local people and employees to make a difference.

The big idea behind the It's Your Community programme is this: 'If you could do one small thing to make your community a better place, what would it be?'

By enabling lots of small groups to make a difference across the UK, we're hoping that together we can make a collective impact. In short, it all adds up.
Who runs It's Your Community?
O2 and The Conservation Foundation work in partnership to run the programme and assess who should receive awards.

Application

Can individuals apply?
Yes, but you must be able to demonstrate how it will involve others and benefit the community. You will be asked for a referee to accompany your application.
Is there an age limit for people applying?
Young people under the age of 18 can apply, but they must have the written consent of a parent/carer, or an endorsement from a charity/recognised community organisation. If your project is involved with young or vulnerable people you will be asked if you have current CRB checks.
Do you have to be a registered charity to apply?
No – you don't need to be a registered charity or have a constitution. You just need to be part of a community. If you're an organisation, you must be not-for-profit or an amenity group to be eligible for an award.

In certain cases, we might need to ask for additional information, just to make sure we're happy with the quality of the application and your status. For example, we might need to carry out a bank account check, as we're not able to give out personal cheques for a project, you'll be asked for a referee and we might ask you whether you and your group have current CRB checks if you are working with young or vulnerable people.
When will we find out if our application has won an award?
Judging happens on a monthly basis and the successful applicants will be informed via email by the 10th of the following month. Every month, 15 of the winning projects from around the UK will be personally presented with their award and have their projects visited by a representative from O2.
How should we acknowledge the award?
In all publicity, marketing and advertising materials that you may produce, we ask you to refer to the programme as the 'O2 It's Your Community Awards'. For more information visit our download section and get the guide.
Individuals or groups may make as many applications as they want - provided they are for different projects. Multiple applications for the same project will not be considered.
Is it possible to re-apply if unsuccessful the first time?
You may re-apply after six months. If you have applied for a number of different projects, the status of one has no affect on the other(s).
Who judges the awards?
The awards are judged and administered by a team from The Conservation Foundation and O2. The Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organisation with 25 years experience in creating and managing initiatives which promote sustainable development, for more information about them go to www.conservationfoundation.co.uk
Can we re-apply again if an award has already been awarded?
Yes you can apply for a further award in respect of the same project – but only after 12 months.
Will It's Your Community fund large projects and will it 'match fund'?
It's Your Community funding is limited to applications wishing to receive a minimum of £100 and a maximum of £1,000, but it's not designed to provide top-up funding for larger projects. Applications for match funding will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Will It's Your Community pay for any professional fees e.g. consultancy work?
While It's Your Community realises that professional input can sometimes be necessary, these awards are designed for people who want to take things into their own hands, and make tangible changes themselves.

Project criteria

Do projects have to be finished by a certain time?
Within reason, we would expect an It's Your Community project to be completed within 12 months of the award being made.
Does the award have to be spent immediately? And what happens if we haven't spent all the money by the end of the project?
Its Your Community Awards are for projects that can demonstrate the funding will be utilised within three months of receiving the award. We would expect unspent funding to be returned to support more projects.
What happens if a project changes scope? Can It's Your Community money still be used?
No – the award is granted on the basis of the original application. Any proposed changes to the project and its delivery must be approved by the It's Your Community Team.
What checks do you make before you award the money?
All projects will be asked for a referee to accompany their application. If your project is involved with young or vulnerable people you will be asked if you have current CRB checks.
Do we need to follow up the project with a report?
Once the award has been granted, we try to keep in touch with all our projects. A member of the It's Your Community Team may come and visit your project or be in touch to see how you are getting along. Also, our website is all about inspiring other people to get involved, so telling people about successful projects is the best way to do this. That's why we require all our successful projects to update the site after 6 months and help spread the good news.

Terms and conditions for applying

Terms and conditions

Still got burning questions? See more about the awards in the criteria section, or get in touch.