Subsidy Policy

In line with our Equal Opportunities Policy and our mission statement that no-one should ever be left out for any reason, we operate a Subsidy Fund.

Any member of the company is entitled to a subsidy contribution for any major aspect of the company that costs money - their fees, LAMDA tuition (though the candidate must pay for the exam), outings, productions, trips, drama school auditions etc.

Wherever possible the applicant must make a contribution to the cost and the Subsidy Fund will meet the balance. This will help ensure that the money goes as far as it can and helps as many people as possible. Remember that funds are limited so please make sure your request is genuine and that you have tried your best to raise your contribution.

We need to raise the money from trusts, companies and individuals to maintain this Subsidy Fund and are therefore accountable for every penny that we spend. This means we must ensure that there is correct paperwork for everything.

We do not want to deter anyone from applying but it is vital that our finances are all correct and up to date. If you are confused at any stage or want any help with your application, please speak to Liz or Lucy. We aim for this policy to be as clear as possible.

If you would like to claim a subsidy you must follow these steps

• Put in a request in writing to Liz as soon possible.

• If it is for term fees or LAMDA, requests from current members must be in by the end of priority booking.

• If it is for a trip or something that requires a reply slip, the request must be submitted with the reply slip.

• in all other cases please ask us for advice well in advance.

• The letter must come from a parent, teacher or social worker or equivalent.

• Letters must;
  Be signed and dated.
  Give information about why the subsidy is needed.
  Specify the amount you are asking for and contributing yourself.

• All letters will remain confidential. Only the two core staff will see them.

• New members are eligible to claim a subsidy towards fees but will have to have been in the company for at least a term before they can claim for LAMDA lessons.

• At the end of the activity the subsidy was for, the member must hand in a thank you letter to the core staff acknowledging the subsidy and stating how it benefited them.
  
  This is a general courtesy but also serves as proof for our funders that the money was spent as stated, no further subsidies will be awarded until a full thank you has been received.

• We do not have the facility for people to pay in instalments. Anyone struggling to pay full fees for the first term is advised to claim a part subsidy and save their money to put towards the next term.

We do hope that this policy is clear in order for you to put in eligible requests.

Please do phone/catch us for a chat if you would like any further clarification or help.

Thank you