What is the Equity & Inclusion Fund?

NFR do not want anybody suffering significant financial hardship to be prevented from participating in our club. The Equity & Inclusion Fund aims to reduce any financial barriers individual members may face in accessing and participating in running, and this policy outlines the administration and processes of this fund.

 

The Equity & Inclusion Fund is limited funds made available by the NFR committee, and it is designed to cover, or contribute to, the costs of items such as membership fees, race fees, and essential running kit. Consideration may be given to other costs that might prevent people from participating in club activities.

 

How do I apply?

Any member of NFR can make an application to the Equity & Inclusion Fund at any time point of the year. All applications to the fund are made through the Equity & Inclusion Fund Application Form. With consent, a committee member may make an application on behalf of a member who may require support to complete the Application Form.

 

Reviewing applications

Applications are required to be reviewed by the Club Welfare Officer, Club Treasurer and at least two other committee members.

 

A joint decision will be made by reviewing each case on its merits, taking account of:

• The runner’s financial circumstances (e.g. low income, student, unemployed, or on benefits due to disability or health)

• The runners’ membership, participation and involvement in the club.

 

Successful applications are dependent on there being sufficient funds available and the reason for application.

 

Applications are limited to £100 in a membership year, but higher applications can be considered at the discretion of the Club Chair and Club Treasurer in exceptional circumstances.

 

Outcomes

Communicating application outcomes The committee aims to respond to all applications within two weeks from the date of application. However, this may extend to four weeks in exceptional circumstances. If you require a response sooner, please e-mail welfareofficer@newcastlefrontrunners.co.uk at time of application. The application outcome will be e-mailed to the applicant from a committee member.

 

The decision made by the committee is final. NFR reserves the right to distribute any funds as deemed appropriate. Appeals are not possible. In some circumstances the committee may ask for additional documentation to support a request.

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Releasing funds

Releasing funds Once an application has been granted, if the application has been for NFR costs (e.g. membership fees, kit), the committee will do this on behalf of the applicant. If the application is for external items (e.g. race fees, other racing kit), the committee will ask the applicant to purchase the item and send the receipt to the Club Treasurer. This will be refunded to the applicant.

 

Confidentiality

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. The names of applicants and/or the details of the applications will not be made publicly available. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the NFR Privacy Policy.