The programme aims to support organisations to address loneliness and the wellbeing of people over 65 years old by supporting one-to-one projects, particularly for residents in areas of deprivation.
Grants up to £7,500 are available. The Foundations suggests that requests should not be for less than £3,000.
Community organisations, registered charities and other groups (including CICs limited by guarantee) may apply.
Organisations must be working with adults over 65 years of age and providing direct person-centred interventions in deprived areas. However, applications from all areas that can demonstrate a local level of need are considered.
The project must be legally charitable and unrestricted funds will only be awarded to registered charities.
Organisations must have:
- An annual income less than £250,000.
- A governing document.
- A registered bank account in the name of the organisation.
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Groups with an annual income over £250,000.
- Connector or infrastructure services e.g. citizens advice or community transport.
- Individuals.
- Contributions to general appeals or circulars.
- Religious activity which is not for wider public benefit.
- Public bodies to carry out their statutory obligations.
- Activities which solely support animal welfare.
- Activities which have already taken place.
- Grant-making by other organisations.
- Privately owned and profit-distributing companies or limited partnerships.
Funding is available for a range of project/core costs and activities e.g. befriending initiatives, etc.
Projects must provide either direct one-to-one service provision to alleviate loneliness or group-based activity to address social isolation.
The closing date for applications is extended to midday on 2 April 2024.
There is a two-stage application process. Initially, an online expression of interest form should be submitted. This will be reviewed and, if selected, the main form will be sent to successful applicants: the full application should include a recent bank statement, safeguarding policy and, if not a registered charity, either the constitution and/or articles of association.
