Marine Litter Capital Grants

Live Here Love Here are delighted to announce the launch of the second year of the highly successful Marine Litter Grants. The Live Here Love Here Marine Litter Capital Grants are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs through the Live Here Love Here collaborative partnership, involving DAERA, ten Local Councils, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

The Marine Litter Capital Grants will support organisations and groups to purchase items to:

• Prevent litter and plastic pollution from entering the marine environment

• Enhance the environmental management of a local area to reduce marine litter

• Improve the health and wellbeing of communities and marine biodiversity recovery by helping to improve and/or maintain the quality of public open spaces

• Improve the quality of their local environment by changing behaviour through creative concepts to reduce the incidence of littering

Financial support of between £500 and £40,000 will be available to constituted groups, businesses and statutory bodies meeting the eligibility criteria. 

Financial support of between £500 and £5,000 will be available to non-constituted groups. 

For more information and to apply, please visit Marine Litter Capital Grants delivered by Live Here Love Here

Coca-Cola Thank You Fund

Now in its 12th year, the Coca‑Cola Thank You Fund was set up in 2011 to mark the 125th anniversary of the company.

Over the years, the Coca‑Cola Thank You Fund has supported projects including community, social and education programmes aimed at youth, healthy and active lifestyles and environmental leadership. To date €1,255,00 has been given to 121 non-profit organisations across the island of Ireland.

In 2022, Coca‑Cola will donate a further €100,000 to youth-orientated non-profit groups committed to support young people to build sustainable communities.

For the purposes of the Fund, young people are defined as those aged between 16 and 25 years of age.

In 2022, the Fund will focus on one overall theme – Investing in Sustainable Communities - enabling everyone to live in a community where economic and environmental sustainability as well as social equity is at its heart. The Fund will help to nurture a generation of change champions who will help to shape, create and maintain sustainable communities for the benefit of all.

Within this theme, the Fund is seeking applications which fall under one or more of the following three categories:

1.    EDUCATION
Educational, Training, Resilience, entrepreneurship programmes for young people

2.    DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Programmes that support Diversity & Inclusivity and social equity among young people

3.    CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Programmes that encourage and support young people to care for and protect the environment

For more information and to apply, please visit Thank You Fund | Community and culture | Coca-Cola IE

Shine Bright Funding Application

The Shine Bright fund partners with regional charities and our partner Coram Chambers to administrate grants directly to the most vulnerable young people in the UK aged 16 years and under.

Grants are to provide relief, respite, and happiness at a time of anxiety and worry. Our grants are awarded to the regional charity partners to purchase educational and art materials; toys; books; and emotional support items for young people aged 16 and under who have been challenged by abuse; addiction; homelessness; or those who are child carers.

Please note, we are only able to fund charitable organisations with a turnover below £1.5m.

Requirements

Please note we offer funding to registered charities only. Please be advised that this application process requires you to provide details on your project, charity, finances, and other details relevant to delivering the project. This form works on mobile devices but you may prefer to do this on a desktop so you can prepare and upload the requested information and files more easily.

To apply please visit Shine Bright Funding Application – the7stars foundation : the7stars foundation

Funding in Northern Ireland

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest community funder in the UK. Each year we distribute millions of pounds of funding raised by National Lottery players to community groups and charitable projects across Northern Ireland.

Our priority is to keep money flowing to support communities across Northern Ireland.

We are here to help and want to talk to you about your ideas to support local communities. We have a range of open funding programmes and are happy to chat to you about these.

Contact us if you have an idea on 028 9055 1455 or at enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland

£300–£10,000

• Projects bringing local people together to make positive changes in their community.

• No deadline, so groups can apply any time.

• Applying is quick and simple.

• Applications welcome from constituted voluntary or community organisations, schools, and statutory bodies.

• If we funded you within the last two years, we may have to give priority to other groups that have not recently been funded through this programme.

• This funding is for projects that will run for 12 months or less

People and Communities

£10,000–£500,000

• Project ideas should come from the community. Talk to the people you want to help and get them involved in shaping and planning the project.

• Your project should make good use of the skills, knowledge, resources and energy of people within your community; making it stronger and ready for the future.

• Understand the need for your project and how it fits with the work of other organisations. Build relationships and work together on shared goals.

• Applications welcome from constituted voluntary or community organisations, and social enterprises.

• This funding is for projects that will run for between 1 and 5 years.

Empowering Young People

£10,000–£500,000

• This funding is for projects that work with young people (8 – 25 years old), and which will run for between 1 and 5 years.

• Projects will help young people to: have the skills they need for the future; have better relationships with their support networks and communities; and/or have improved health and wellbeing.

• Young people must be involved in the planning and delivery of the project. They must be able to develop the skills to help themselves, and their support networks and communities need to be involved too.

• Applications welcome from constituted voluntary or community organisations, and social enterprises.

Dormant Accounts Fund

• The fund opened for applications on Tuesday, 12 January 2021.

• This fund will support the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to be more resilient and prepared for the future by funding activity that increases capacity and sustainability.

• Dormant accounts are UK bank and building society accounts that have been untouched for 15 or more years, and where banks and building societies are unable to trace the customer who owns the account. They are not derived from National Lottery activity.

• Under Section 22 of the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Act 2008, we distribute money under direction from the Department of Finance.

• To make sure this funding has maximum impact in communities, we held a consultation in late 2019. You can read what we heard.

• In the first phase, we have developed a flexible and responsive grant programme that will support organisations to be able to adapt to future challenges and be more financially resilient.

• We'll also support larger investments that will enable collaboration and develop new and creative approaches to sustainability. These Northern Ireland-wide or sector-specific proposals could focus on specific themes such as volunteering, digital capacity or diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions, contact us.

Apply here - Funding in Northern Ireland | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)

Help the Homeless

Criteria:

• Your organisation must be a registered UK charity with the Charity Commission in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or a registered Scottish Charity.

• Help the Homeless are only able to help small and medium-sized charities with an annual turnover of under £1m and with ‘unrestricted reserves’ of under six months annual running costs based on their latest published annual accounts. Note: they do not consider any ‘tangible fixed assets’ as unrestricted reserves.

• Help the Homeless can only accept applications towards the funding of ‘capital’ projects. The fund is unable to accept applications towards running/core costs. Note: This fund is unable to consider requests for computers and IT equipment.

• All applications must relate to projects that assist individuals in their return to mainstream society, rather than simply offering shelter or other forms of sustenance.

• There should be a minimum period of two years between the receipt of a decision or receiving a grant from us and making a further application.

Value Notes:

Amount available - Up to £5,000

How to apply?

All applicants must complete the official application form which should be downloaded via the link below. Applicants should clearly describe the aims and structure of their organisation, their future plans, and specific details of how any grant will be spent.

A copy of the latest available audited accounts is also required.

Help the Homeless no longer accepts applications via post.

How to apply?

Download application form.

Deadlines to submit your application:

The quarterly deadlines for applications for funding each year are: 15th March / 15th June/ 15th September/ 15th December. You will be informed of the trustees’ decision within six weeks of each deadline.

Example Grants:

Examples of recent grants made can be seen here.

Victoria Homes Trust

About the Fund:

The Victoria Homes Trust is a NI-based funder that funds only registered charities in Northern Ireland.​ Aims to assist the physical, mental and spiritual development of young people under 21 years of age. The Trust's policy is to provide small grants in support of local projects which benefit children and young people.

Scheme details

The main objects of the Victoria Homes Trust are: 

• To help and educate young people of both sexes under the age of 21;

• To develop their physical, mental, spiritual and moral capacities so that they grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society and that there conditions of life may be improved:

• To assist in the training of young people to enable them to maintain themselves at the termination of their education and training;

• To assist other non-statutory bodies in carrying out any of the above objects.

The needs of young people are many and the Trust does not wish to overly restrict the scope of applications received by it, however, projects addressing the following needs of children and young persons are particularly welcome:

• Alcohol and drugs abuse

• Homelessness

• Counselling for those in need of guidance, advice and support

Who can apply?

You must be a charity registered in the UK to apply. (or on the deemed list of charities with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and awaiting the call forward to apply - you may be asked for evidence of your status in this regard). 

How to apply?

At present, the Trust considers grants twice in the year and should be received on or before the 30th April or 30th November. Applications will only be considered on these deadlines twice a year. Visit the Victoria Homes Trust website for more details.

Action Renewables - PV Support Programme for the Charity Sector (Northern Ireland)

Funding is available to charities and schools in Northern Ireland for solar panel installation projects which will help reduce their carbon footprint and make a financial impact through generation/cost savings.

Fund Information

• Funding body: Action Renewables

• Maximum value: Discretionary

• Application deadline: None specified

• Location: Northern Ireland

Background

The PV Support Programme for the Charity Sector is provided and administered in Northern Ireland by Action Renewables.

Objectives of Fund

The purpose of the programme is to fund projects to install solar electricity panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), in the charity sector and in schools. The aim of this is to help such organisations reduce their environmental impact and meet their charitable objectives.

Value Notes

• In 2021/22 Action Renewables will fund a maximum of 12 projects.

• The amount of funding awarded to each project is at the discretion of Action Renewables.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be accepted from schools and registered charities based in Northern Ireland.

To be eligible applicants must:

• Have a long-term lease on their building - long-term being defined as 5+ years.

• Satisfy a feasibility study with a baseload demand greater than 12kW.

• Agree to install a 12kW PV on target property - 3 phase commercial connection.

• Where their building is rented or leased, have permission from their landlord for the project, and an agreement in place in the event of the landlord selling the property.

Eligible Expenditure

Selected projects will be provided with funding for small scale energy generation, initially through solar PV installations. Action Renewables will retain full ownership of the solar system and will cover all installation and maintenance costs.

Once installed, Action Renewables will invoice the customer pro-rata for electricity generated from the solar panels at a reduced cost compared to grid electricity.

How To Apply?

Applications may be made at any time while funding remains available. Installations will be selected on a first-come/first-served basis.

The online Expression of Interest form can be found on the Action Renewables website.

Card Factory Foundation – Community Grant Fund

• Funding: Card Factory Foundation

• Maximum value: Discretionary

• Application deadline: None specified

• Location: UK

Objectives of Fund

This fund aims to support community projects and activities that improve lives, provide support for people undergoing life-changing events, and provide benefits for both past and present Card Factory colleagues and communities where Card Factory stores operate.  

Value Notes

Grants are typically awarded up to £2,500.

Grants of more than £2,500 will be made at the discretion of the Trustees.

Who Can Apply?

Not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply.

Applicants must provide a copy of their most recent annual accounts.

The Trustees will not usually award grants to an applicant that has received funding within the last 12 months.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding is for projects and activities that meet one or more of the following priorities:

• Provide support, financial or otherwise, towards hardship caused by life-changing events.

• Provide support, financial or otherwise, to projects that improve lives.

• Projects that take place for Card Factory colleagues and/or communities where Card Factory stores operate.

Funding is for project costs directly connected to carrying out the charitable activities that the Trustees have agreed to fund.

How To Apply?

There is no deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Applications for grant funding under £2,500 will be made monthly by the Charity Trustees. Applicants for grant funding over £2,500 will be made quarterly at a meeting of the Charity Trustees.

Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the Card Factory Foundation website.

The 7Stars Foundation - Project Funding

Project grants awarded up to £2,500 to support young people aged 16 years and under. Projects which respond to one or more of the 7Stars priorities: abuse, addiction, homelessness, and childcarers.

Value Notes:

Project grants awarded up to £2,500 to organisations with a turnover of under £1.5M

Criteria:

• Supporting young people aged 16 years and under.

• Projects enabling young people to have the best start in life- to reach for the stars.

• Projects which have a direct impact and respond to a need in an immediate manner.

• Projects hosted in geographical areas of deprivation and socioeconomic disadvantage.

• Projects which respond to (one of the/multiple) funding priorities of the 7stars Foundation (Abuse; Addiction; Homelessness; Child Carers).

• Projects which address a lack of provision (due to a lack of funding from alternative sources).

• Projects which provide immediate support not just in the short-term but with long-term benefits too.

• Regarding projects for Child Carers, preference will be given to projects offering long-term impact and/or sustainable support (such as mentoring or outreach programmes) over recreational trips.

How to Apply?

Visit the 7Stars Foundation website for more details and to complete the online application.

Notes:

Please note the 7Stars Foundation offers funding to registered charities only. Please be advised that this application process requires you to provide details on your project, organisation, budget, bank account, and other details relevant to delivering the project.

This form works on mobile devices but you may prefer to do this on a desktop so you can prepare and upload the requested information and files more easily.

Pebble Grants

About the Fund:

Pebbles is a small funding stream for UK registered charities and recognised churches that are raising money for projects where the total cost is less than £150,000. This money can be spent on:

• Short breaks - such as an annual respite break or holiday for disadvantaged young people

• Equipment - such as white goods

• Capital costs - refurbishment or minor building work

Criteria:

• UK registered charity or church

• An annual income of less than £500,000

• £150,000 maximum project cost

• The project must be for the benefit for UK residents

• The cause cannot be supported elsewhere by the Rank Foundation

• Match funding - you must have raised a third of the costs

• Inclusive use by the wider community

• Cannot be used for pilot projects

When to apply?

Pebble grant applications are processed on a quarterly basis. It can take up to 4 months for a decision and payment to be made. Grants are awarded on a discretionary basis.

Value Notes:

The Rank Foundation’s contribution ranges from £250 up to and including £4,000, depending on the total cost of the project.

How to apply?

Visit the Rank Foundation website to complete the quick eligibility quiz and to complete the online application form.

If you have any queries, please contact pebbles@rankfoundation.com

Allen Lane Foundation

Fund Information

• Funding body: Allen Lane Foundation

• Maximum value:£ 15,000

• Application deadline:31/03/2022

Objectives of Fund

The Foundation makes grants to voluntary not-for-profit organisations in the UK for work which benefits groups of people who are under-represented in UK society. 

Overall, the Foundation wishes to fund work which:

• Will make a lasting difference to people's lives rather than simply alleviating the symptoms or current problems.

• Is aimed at reducing isolation, stigma and discrimination.

• Encourages or enables unpopular groups to share in the life of the whole community.

In 2019, the Foundation has launched its new Social Cohesion Programme, which was established to provide support to local communities. It will fund projects that aim to break down barriers and tensions between different groups of people, and build a more cohesive and inclusive community for all.

The aim of the Social Cohension Programme is to:

• Proactively work towards building better community cohesion and trust, and encouraging respect and understanding in the local area

• Proactively promote the inclusion of marginalised groups and individuals in the life of the local community

• Fund work which breaks down barriers and tensions in the local community thereby reducing feelings of division and “them and us”.

The funding is for community-led grassroots groups and organisations whose work is focused at a 'very local/community level' such as a housing estate or distinct community.

Value Notes

• The Foundation typically makes around 150 grants in a year with a total value of between £750,000 and £800,000.

• The Foundation makes single grants, or grants split over two or three years.

• One-off grants of between £500 and £15,000 are available. The average grant is between £5,000 and £6,000.

• Grants repeated for more than one year vary from around £500 per annum up to £5,000 per annum, for a maximum of three years. 

Location

United Kingdom (but not for work within Greater London)

How To Apply?

The next deadline for applications is end of March 2022 for consideration in June 2022.

Applications can be made at any time and are considered three times a year, generally in February, June and October.

Processing an application and making a grant usually takes between two and six months. Groups should apply as soon as they are ready as applications are processed ‘all the time’.

Applications to the Social Cohesion Programme are now paused until at least the summer of 2022 as the Trustees are concerned about the level of need across all of the Foundation’s main funding programmes.

The Foundation has an online application system. The first step is to go through the online eligibility quiz. Those who are eligible will be directed to the application form.

Green Hall Foundation

Fund Information

• Funding body: Green Hall Foundation

• Maximum value: £10,000

Objectives of Fund

The foundation's objective is to sustainably improve lives among the sick, the elderly, the disabled, and the disadvantaged, particularly in the UK.

Value Notes

Grants typically range in value from £1,000 to £10,000.

Who Can Apply

Charities registered in the UK may apply as follows:

• Each May meeting will be open to charities in all income brackets.

• Each November meeting will only be open to charities with an annual income of £250,000 or less.

A charity can only submit a further grant application a full 12 months after the date of their last application. This applies in all instances, even if the further application is for a different project.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding is available to support special projects or the purchase of specific equipment that will make a tangible difference to the relevant charity (for example, where the Foundation can meet a significant proportion of the funding required), and which will make a lasting difference for example, where permanent equipment is needed or building required as opposed to funding salaries or the charity running costs.

Preference will be given to projects that will benefit a number of beneficiaries rather than just a few.

How To Apply?

The first application cycle for 2022 is now open.

Only the first 200 applications will go forward to the Trustees for consideration at each meeting. Once the limit has been reached, the application cycle will be closed, which is normally within two days.

The Trustees meet twice yearly to consider applications, in May and November. Application rounds usually open on 1 March and 1 September each year at 9 am.

Applicants must register at the Foundation's website to access the online application form. Only online applications are accepted.

The KFC Foundation - Community Grants Programme

About the fund:

The KFC Foundation loves its community. They support grassroots organisations in the heart of KFC
restaurant communities. Organisations focused on empowering young people in the UK to fulfil their potential and build a positive future by providing spaces that allow young people to feel safe and secure, by providing mentoring and helping to unlock talent and build life skills to improve their chances to gain meaningful employment.

Aim of the Fund:

The KFC Foundation want to fund work that helps young people to create firm foundations, by addressing their needs through early intervention.

Who can apply?

This grant programme is for registered charities, registered community interest companies, unincorporated clubs or associations, or unregistered charities with a turnover of less than £300,000.
We will make grants of up to £2,000.

The KFC Foundation welcomes funding applications from organisations which:

• Benefit young people aged 11-25 years old.

• Supports those in a position of social disadvantage (i.e. care leavers, those experiencing homelessness, young carers, young parents, young people at risk of or with experience of the criminal justice system).

• Empower young people to fulfil their potential and build a positive future by providing spaces that allow young people to feel safe and secure, helping them to unlock talent, build life skills, provide mentoring and improve their chances to gain meaningful employment.

• Are local to a KFC restaurant? (Find Your Local KFC)

• Will demonstrate positive results from their project within 12 months of our funding being received

For further information about what the Foundation can and cannot fund please refer to the FAQs.

How to apply?

Applications are now open. To apply there are 2 things you need to submit.

• One: Submit a 2-minute video about your organisation

• Two: Complete the expression of interest form

Visit the KFC Foundation website for more information.

Northern Ireland - Village Catalyst Grant Scheme

Fund Information

• Funding body: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

• Maximum value: £230,000

• Application deadline: None specified

• Location: Northern Ireland

About the Fund:

The aim of the scheme is to support community organisations in rural villages in Northern Ireland with projects to tackle rural poverty and social isolation by developing a sustainable use for a disused historic building.

Value Notes

The programme will award up to £4.2 million over a five-year period.

The grant scheme provides three routes of support to applicants:

• Funding of up to £10,000 is available to support project viability work. This support is administered by the Architectural Heritage Fund.

• Funding of up to £20,000 is available to support project development work.

• Funding of up to £200,000 is available to support project delivery, ie capital works on site to enable the historic building to deliver a sustainable use that helps to tackle rural poverty and social isolation.

Who Can Apply?

Applications will be accepted from charities, social enterprises and other not-for-profit groups in rural villages of less than 5,000 in Northern Ireland.

Restrictions

Although no exclusions are specified, potential applicants may contact the Department for Communities to discuss the programme's requirements.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding is intended to help meet the costs of the following activities:

• Viability Support - To consider potential uses for a building and its current condition, and to compile a report summarising the findings of the feasibility of plans for the building to a standard template.

• Development Support - To cover some of the costs of developing and coordinating a project and taking it towards the start of work on-site (drawings, approvals, fundraising, etc).

• Delivery Support - To cover a shortfall between project costs and community resources to carry out capital works to a historic building to deliver a use that helps to tackle rural poverty and social isolation.

How To Apply?

Support may be accessed at any time. Guidance notes and application information can be found on the Department for Communities website.

ASDA Foundation - Foundation Grants

About the Funder:

The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Working with Asda’s Community Champions in store, ASDA is able to work with a range of organisations and groups on a variety of local community projects.

The Asda Foundation have a variety of programmes and funds in place that could help support your organisation. We’ve included the links below for each:

• Green Token Giving

• Empowering Local Communities Grant

• U18 Better Starts Grant

• Match Funding

• Emergency

• Partnerships

You can use the STORE LOCATOR on the ASDA Foundation website to check where your local store is.

What type of projects can the Asda Foundation fund?

The last eighteen months have been incredibly challenging for many people in the UK. Throughout this time, the Asda Foundation and Community Champions have worked with dedication and perseverance to support local communities. Click HERE to view some examples of how we have helped maintain community support throughout lockdown and the pandemic.

How to Apply?

Visit the Asda Foundation website to find out more about each of the grants available, criteria and guidelines.

Awards for All - The National Lottery

Fund Information:

• Funding Available: £300 to £10,000

• Area: Northern Ireland

• Application deadline: Ongoing

Objectives:

National Lottery funding can help you to make a difference in your community. They offer funding from £300 to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities.

National Lottery funding is open to applications for community projects that meet their criteria. This includes support responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Lottery is looking for ideas that:

• bring people together and build strong relationships in and across communities

• improve the places and spaces that matter to communities

• help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage

Eligible Expenditure:

• equipment

• one-off events

• small land or building projects (but make sure you own the land or building, have a lease that can't be ended for five years, have a letter from the owner saying the land or building will be leased to you for at least five years, or an official letter from the owner or landlord that says you're allowed to do work on the building) - you should also think about getting planning permission for the work too

• staff costs

• training costs

• transport

• utilities/running costs

• volunteer expenses.

How To Apply?

If you have an idea, contact the National Lottery on 028 9055 1455 or at enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.

Visit the National Lottery website to access guidelines and online application.

Fat Beehive Foundation

Fund Information

• Funding body: Fat Beehive Foundation

• Maximum value: £2,500

• Application deadline: None specified

• Location: UK

Background

The Fat Beehive Foundation was established by Fat Beehive Ltd, a digital agency specialising in web design, branding and related digital products for organisations committed to social good.

Objectives of Fund

The foundation seeks to support the work of smaller charities by awarding grants to help them build their online presence.

Who Can Apply?

UK registered charities with an annual income of less than £1 million may apply.

Successful applicants must agree to commence work on their project within three months of being awarded a grant.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding is to be used to build websites or digital products.

Priority projects for support include those in the following areas:

• Environmental protection or climate change mitigation.

• Human rights.

• International development.

• Equality and diversity.

• Social justice, refugees and housing.

• Education.

• Art and culture.

• Health and wellbeing.

• Prisoner rehabilitation.

How To Apply?

Applications may be submitted at any time and will be considered at the quarterly trustees' meetings, which are normally held in January, April, July and October.

The online application form is available at the Fat Beehive Foundation website.

Applicants will need to provide at least one quote as part of the application process, which will be assessed by Fat Beehive Foundation, to ensure value for money and the realistic prospect of development.

All applications will be subject to an initial assessment to ensure they meet the basic criteria for funding.

Once completed application forms are received, the foundation will consider them at the next quarterly trustee meeting. These are normally held in January, April, July and October.

Wooden Spoon Charity

Fund Information

• Funding body: Wooden Spoon Charity

• Maximum value: Discretionary

• Application deadline: None specified

• Location: UK

Objectives of Fund

Wooden Spoon's objective is to make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people through its commitment to quality charitable work throughout the UK.

Value Notes

There is neither a minimum nor maximum grant level. However, it is unlikely that a project of a physical nature that is under £5,000 will have sufficient substance and scale to qualify.

Applicants should note that given the pandemic situation, the amount of available funding has been reduced.

Match Funding Restrictions

Applicants are encouraged to contribute a percentage of the funds required.

Who Can Apply?

Organisations and charities in the UK are eligible to apply.

Wooden Spoon can only make grants to organisations with legal status. For example, schools, charities, and private members clubs.

Applications from groups working in partnership are eligible but one organisation must take the lead for the application and be the primary beneficiary and point of contact.

Restrictions

Funding is not normally available for the following:

• Computers and electronic equipment.

• Minibus or similar vehicle projects.

• Revenue expenditure.

• Individuals.

• Salaries, administration costs, professional fees and on-going overheads related to a capital project.

Eligible Expenditure

Wooden Spoon supports projects which will benefit children and young people under 25 years of age who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially.  Projects must normally be of a capital nature, with a reasonably long-term prospective lifetime.

The funding is for projects that address the following areas:

• Health and wellbeing

• Sensory rooms and gardens

• Specialist equipment and facilities

• Playgrounds and outdoor activities

• Education projects

How To Apply?

With the current situation, much of Wooden Spoon’s fundraising has been put on hold and therefore the available funding for projects has been reduced.

The funder suggests as a first step groups complete the online expression of wish form for an initial assessment.

Applications may be submitted at any time and are available to download from the Wooden Spoon website.

The completed form should be returned by either email or post. Once checked against the criteria, the application form will be forwarded to the regional committee for approval. If the region agrees to support the project an inspector will undertake a site visit and report back to the Project Committee which meets monthly. Successful applications will go forward to the next quarterly Council meeting. The applicant will receive a formal grant letter if the project is approved by Council.

Useful Links

• Wooden Spoon

Ernest Cook Trust - Outdoor Essentials Grant

Fund Information

• Funding body: The Ernest Cook Trust

• Maximum value: £500

• Application deadline: None specified

• Location: UK

Objectives of Fund

The COVID pandemic has demonstrated how important being outdoors is to the mental and physical well-being of everyone. It has also highlighted inequalities in people’s abilities to access the outdoors. Research commissioned by The Ernest Cook Trust has identified that transport costs are a key barrier for schools to access Outdoor Learning.

The current round of funding is for grants to be used for:

• Transport & Travel costs to Outdoor Learning venues.

• Nature & Nurture projects to create areas where young people can connect with nature within school grounds or within the local community.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are accepted from UK state-funded Primary and Secondary schools. This includes:

• Any UK state-funded Ofsted Registered Primary, Middle, Secondary or High school

• Any UK state-funded Special or Alternative Provision School

• Multi-Academy Trusts, but applications must be made by the individual schools.

Priority will be given to:

• Schools that are committed to enabling Outdoor Learning and see environmental engagement as an important part of education.

• Schools who can demonstrate that Outdoor Learning has a wider benefit to families and their local community.

• Schools with disadvantaged pupils.

• Schools that are located in areas of high deprivation and/or have pupils who are living in challenging circumstances.

How To Apply?

This grant opportunity is currently open to applications.

The online application form is available to complete on the Trust's website.

Family Fund - Urgently seeking applications from families in NI!

FAMILY FUND URGENTLY SEEKING APPLICATIONS FROM FAMILIES IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Families living on low incomes in Northern Ireland with disabled or seriously ill children or young people aged 17 and under are urged to apply for urgent grant support for essential items, to see them through these final winter months.

The Minister of Health in Northern Ireland, Robin Swann MLA, has provided the Family Fund with £500,000 of additional funding to support approximately 1000 more families facing challenging fuel and energy costs, post-pandemic financial and wider pressures and disproportionate extra costs associated with raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person.

This extra grant support will provide families with essential items, including children’s clothing; white goods such as a cooker, fridge, or freezer; sensory or specialist play equipment or technology for children and young people, and assistance with much-needed family breaks.

Over 80% of families with disabled children in Northern Ireland, who responded to a recent survey by Family Fund, reported being financially worse-off, compared to before the pandemic.

Families are asked to apply for a Family Fund grant before the start of March, by visiting Grants: Northern Ireland HERE