Funding opportunities
Comic Relief have announced their new UK Main Grants Programme, with significant differences to the previous one. There are five broad themes rather than specialised programmes, which set out the kinds of people they want to reach and the issues they want to address including better futures, healthier finances, safer lives, stronger communities and fairer society. The application process is now over two stages, allowing early identification of projects unlikely to succeed. Applications are accepted at any time and grants are for a minimum of £10,000. There is no upper limit although they expect most grants to be between £20,000 to £40,000 per annum. For further information visit http://2013.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant.
The Get equipped fund from Sport England opens in October with £1million will available to buy specialist equipment to help disabled people take part in sport. Not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants between £300 and £10,000 to increase the number of disabled young people over the age of 14 and adults regularly playing sport. Applications can be submitted between 7 October and 2 December 2013, with decisions made by the end of January 2014. For further information visit www.sportengland.org/funding/our-different-funds/get-equipped.
The Health Foundation is seeking examples of smart ideas from across the health service that could improve healthcare, and the ability to put together an innovative trial to develop and test that idea. Up to 40 projects will be selected and each project will run over 15 months which includes three months set up and a 12 month implementation period. Projects will begin in June 2014 and each project will present results at an end-of-programme conference to be held in September 2015. The maximum award for each project is £75,000. All projects need to identify the costs and benefits of the intervention. For further information visit www.health.org.uk/areas-of-work/programmes/shine-2014.
The Ministry of Justice has launched its competition for rehabilitation services. In addition to tendering for 21 Tier 1 prime providers, they are asking sub-contractors and those who could provide services to the prime through grant-funding arrangements to register.The deadline for submission of Pre-Qualification Questionnaires is noon on Thursday 31 October. For further information visit www.justice.gov.uk/transforming-rehabilitation/competition?utm_source=Copy+of+Linx+296+-+19+September&utm_campaign=linx296&utm_medium=email.
The Edge fund is open again for applications, funding small groups or individuals who are unlikely to be funded elsewhere. The aim of the fund is to create systemic change. The last round distributed about £30,000 to a total of 15 groups. The deadline for this round is 5pm on Monday 14 October. For further information visit http://edgefund.org.uk/how-to-apply.
The annual Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund from the Department of Health is now open for projects to start in April 2014. Voluntary sector organisations are invited to submit proposals that test and develop innovative approaches to health and care, actively share and disseminate excellent practice and improve collaboration and partnerships within the voluntary sector to provide better outcomes, greater efficiencies and sustainability. The closing date for registration is 11 October, and 25 October for submitting an application form. For further information visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/voluntary-sector-funding-available-for-health-and-care-projects.