Spark (sport, Amenities, Recreation In Kesgrave)

Charity Number: 1077587

Geographic Focus: Suffolk

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Over £2 million raised since 1999
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Electronic decision for grants under £1,000; quarterly meetings for larger grants
  • Grant Range: Under £1,000 to £27,000+
  • Geographic Focus: Kesgrave, Suffolk only

Contact Details

  • Website: https://kesgrave-spark.org.uk
  • Email: Secretary@kesgrave-spark.org.uk
  • Phone: 07523879237
  • Secretary: Mr Nick Francis, 48 Alberta Close, Kesgrave, IP5 1HS
  • Pre-Application Advice: Contact the Chairman or Secretary for guidance before submitting an application

Overview

SPARK (Sport, Amenities, Recreation in Kesgrave) is a registered charity (number 1077587) established to support Kesgrave organizations providing sport, recreation, and leisure activities. The charity's mission is to promote social welfare and improve the quality of life for Kesgrave residents. All funding is raised through the 2nd Stop charity shop, which has operated since 1999 in collaboration with the 1st Kesgrave Scout Group, generating over £2 million in donations over 25 years. The charity celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. SPARK is governed by a Board of Trustees that meets quarterly to review applications and has supported all four local schools, churches, sports clubs, playgroups, and community organizations with both small and large infrastructure projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

SPARK operates a single grant program with two processing tiers:

  • Small Grants (under £1,000): Handled electronically by the Board of Trustees for quick decisions
  • Large Grants (£1,000+): Decided at quarterly Board Meetings

Recent grants include:

  • £27,000 for play equipment and learning pods at Cedarwood School
  • Weather-proof jackets for walking football club
  • Electronic scoreboard for Kesgrave Cricket Club
  • Tennis court resurfacing costs for Kesgrave Tennis Club
  • Support for Kesgrave High School football teams

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines.

Priority Areas

SPARK funds organizations and activities that:

  • Promote sport or leisure activities primarily for Kesgrave residents
  • Support starting up new clubs from scratch
  • Purchase new equipment for existing activities
  • Fund infrastructure projects for schools
  • Support recreational and community activities

Eligible applicants include:

  • Individuals aged 16+ who are Kesgrave residents
  • Kesgrave Town Council (for non-precept activities)
  • Parent and Teacher Associations
  • Voluntary organizations
  • Sports organizations
  • Any club or organization based in Kesgrave promoting sport or leisure

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, SPARK's focus is exclusively on Kesgrave-based organizations and activities. Organizations outside Kesgrave are not eligible. The charity emphasizes that grants are “subject to certain criteria,” though specific exclusions are not detailed on their website.

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

  • Mr David Steward – Chair
  • Dr Stewart Young – Vice Chair
  • Mr Nick Francis – Secretary
  • Mrs Judith Francis – Treasurer
  • Mr Pat Mills – Trustee (former Secretary)
  • Mrs Molly Arnot – Trustee
  • Mrs Angela Finch – Trustee
  • Mr Ashley Jordan – Trustee
  • Mrs Tina Shute – Trustee
  • Mrs Jo Tillinghast – Trustee
  • Mr Rod Gibson – Trustee (representing Kesgrave Town Council)

The board underwent changes in 2022, with Nick Francis assuming the Secretary role from Pat Mills, who continues to serve as a trustee. Paul Carr departed due to relocation, and Rod Gibson joined to represent the Town Council.

Leadership Quote:

Chair David Steward has expressed the charity's commitment to supporting projects “that will give pleasure for many years to come,” emphasizing long-term community benefit.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Download and complete the application form from the SPARK website
  2. Return the completed form to: Mr Nick Francis, The Secretary, SPARK, 48 Alberta Close, Kesgrave, IP5 1HS
  3. Alternatively, email to: secretary@kesgrave-spark.org.uk
  4. Pre-application contact is recommended for guidance or clarification

SPARK welcomes applications from organizations that have received grants previously, subject to certain criteria.

Decision Timeline

Small Grants (under £1,000):

  • Handled electronically by the Board of Trustees
  • Decisions reached “as quickly as possible”

Large Grants (£1,000+):

  • Decided at the next available quarterly Board Meeting
  • Small grants may also go to quarterly meetings if the Board requires further information or clarification

Board Meetings are held quarterly throughout the year.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed. However, SPARK has distributed grants to many different organizations in Kesgrave over the years, including all four local schools, multiple sports clubs, community centers, and voluntary organizations. The January 2023 Board Meeting approved grants to multiple Kesgrave organizations.

Reapplication Policy

SPARK explicitly welcomes repeat applications. Their website states: “help with funding is still available from SPARK, even if you have had a grant before and subject to certain criteria.” There is no indication of mandatory waiting periods between applications, though specific criteria for repeat applications are not detailed.

Application Success Factors

SPARK-Specific Advice:

SPARK emphasizes that their funding comes entirely from the 2nd Stop charity shop, which "up-cycles residents' unwanted items into play equipment, sports kit and myriad other items." Understanding this community-funded model is important—the charity relies on local donations and volunteers.

Key considerations for applicants:

  • Kesgrave focus is essential: Only organizations and individuals based in or primarily serving Kesgrave residents are eligible
  • Pre-application contact is encouraged: The charity specifically recommends contacting the Chairman or Secretary to discuss applications before submission
  • Purpose matters: Applications should clearly demonstrate how the grant promotes sport, recreation, or leisure activities for Kesgrave residents
  • Impact documentation: Recent funded projects suggest SPARK values applications that show long-term community benefit and practical improvements
  • Repeat applicants welcome: Organizations that have previously received funding can apply again, though they should be prepared to demonstrate continued need and impact

What SPARK has funded:

  • Large infrastructure projects (£27,000 for school learning pods)
  • Sports equipment (cricket scoreboards, tennis court resurfacing)
  • Operational needs (weather-proof jackets for clubs)
  • Equipment purchases for existing and new activities
  • Hall or room hire charges

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Hyper-local focus: Only Kesgrave-based organizations and activities qualify—this is non-negotiable
  • Two-tier system works in your favor: Grants under £1,000 get faster electronic decisions, while larger grants go through quarterly board review
  • Community shop funding model: All money comes from the 2nd Stop charity shop—understanding and supporting this local resource may strengthen community relationships
  • Pre-submission consultation recommended: SPARK explicitly encourages applicants to contact them before applying for guidance and clarification
  • No barriers to repeat applications: Previous grant recipients can reapply, making SPARK a potential long-term funding partner for ongoing organizational needs
  • Broad definition of eligible activities: The charity supports both sports and general recreational/leisure activities, plus infrastructure for schools and community facilities
  • Evidence of long-term community benefit: Recent large grants suggest the charity values projects with lasting impact rather than one-off events

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