Guidance notes for applying to CRASH for project support

Every project that applies to CRASH for assistance is obliged to complete a Request for Help form. Our experience shows that the sooner CRASH is involved in a building project, the bigger the savings and the better the design. So we would urge the return of the form as soon as possible, even if you cannot complete every item.

We would like to point out that there are certain criteria that must be met:

• Legal Hold: The charity must have a legal hold on the building in question for at least three years.
• Use: The building is solely used to deliver services to single homeless people or the charity's administrative functions, i.e. we do not support projects where the building is in multiple use for example, as a nursery, bingo club or youth club.
• New Build: CRASH will consider new build projects on a case–by–case basis but we recommend a phone call to the Director before submitting a new-build request.
• Management: CRASH does not run building projects for the charities. It is up to them to have the drive to see it through and act as a construction client. CRASH will endeavour to acquire whatever help is required to achieve this.
• Savings: Savings through using CRASH supporters range from around 20 - 100% of the materials cost depending on what is needed. (Although 100% i.e. free, is usually only achieved where small quantities or one-off items are needed).
• Ancillary services: CRASH will give priority to charities that seek to add value to the quality of their clients' lives e.g. tenancy sustainment, life-skills, employment training (particularly for the construction trades) and resettlement and health support.
• Design: CRASH is keen to promote good design in our projects, rather than bare bones. We have a number of architects and interior designers who are ready and willing to work with projects to achieve this. Often, charities, strapped by funding restrictions, assume that they can only afford basic, uninspired building work. This is not true! And from feedback from those charities that have worked with designers indicates that good design improves everybody's feeling of wellbeing and confidence - both staff and clients.
• Supporting documents: Please submit any plans and supporting material you feel will enhance our understanding of your project. We would also request that you include a copy of your latest Financial Report and Accounts with your application.
• PR for the work undertaken: CRASH relies entirely on its corporate support base - they are very generous, but every businessman instinctively wishes to see a return on his investment. CRASH achieves this by asking projects to generate PR that mentions the help given by CRASH. The CRASH PR Manager will help and advise, but some ideas would be a mention in the charity's Annual Report, generating a photo-record of work and a Press Release to local media. This then allows CRASH to demonstrate to its supporters that their contribution has been appreciated and shows their involvement has made a difference.
• Feedback: CRASH needs feedback from the project - negative and positive - to ensure we are providing what is required.
• Disclaimer of Liability: CRASH is a charity limited by guarantee which has as its object the relief of poverty by providing or facilitating the provision of accommodation for the benefit of the homeless. Advice given by CRASH, or any person employed or acting on behalf of CRASH, is given in good faith in furtherance of these objects and in the belief it is correct and appropriate. CRASH make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose of the advice given, whether written or oral. All building projects must be properly managed and CRASH actively encourages the recipients of advice provided by CRASH to seek independent and professional verification of any advice given by or on behalf of CRASH prior to acting on the advice. The recipient agrees that to the fullest extent permitted by law, CRASH and its employees and those acting on behalf of CRASH are excused from any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage arising from reliance on advice given.
  
  This disclaimer is important. Please read it as it will apply to all your dealings with CRASH and will affect your legal rights. Please ensure senior management are aware of it.