Grants are available for small local groups and small local charities to improve the quality of life and combat loneliness in older people as well as adults with a physical or mental disability in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The Barchester Healthcare Foundation (also known as the Barchester Charitable Foundation) was established by Barchester Healthcare to reinvest into the communities it serves.
It is a registered charity with independent Trustees. The Foundation was set up in 2003 with an initial grant of over £250,000. Barchester Healthcare continues to make further contributions to the Foundation.
The Foundation aims to make a difference to the lives of older people and other adults with a physical, learning or mental disability; supporting practical solutions that lead to increased personal independence, self-sufficiency and dignity.
The aim of this fund is on connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community. Applications that combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged will receive highest priority.
Grants range from £100 to £2,600.
Who Can Apply
Although most funding is awarded to individuals, small community groups and small local charities based in England, Scotland or Wales can also apply.
Eligible organisations must provide a breakdown of their budget and their latest annual accounts.
Support is mainly available to individuals in England, Scotland and Wales who are:
- Older people aged 65+.
- Adults with a disability or mental health problem.
All applications for an individual must be supported by a third party sponsor, such as a health or personal care professional, social worker, charity or support group representative.
The focus for funding is connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community. Applications that combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged will receive the highest priority.
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Core/running costs, including salaries and venue hire.
- Indirect services such as helplines, websites, newsletters, leaflets or research.
- Building/renovation projects or large capital projects, including minibuses.
- Training of staff and training of volunteers.
- Foodbank provision, unless part of a food preparation or activity project.
- Activities for residents in a care home operated by Barchester Healthcare or by any other care home company.
Groups with financial of over £150,000 are unlikely to receive support.
Further funding is not available for three years following a successful grant award.
Eligible Expenditure
Funding is intended to help small community groups and local charities with the following:
- Activity projects.
- Equipment and materials for use by members.
- Member transport.
- Day trips, outings and group holidays in the UK.
Priority will be given to innovative projects that help older people and those with a disability to get active, meet people, and reduce isolation.
Applications may be submitted at any time.
Applications open in January, April, July and October (notification of decisions within two months).