We are inviting applications to the Healthy Ageing Fund. The purpose of the fund is to support community-based projects which improve social connectedness for older adults (40+), helping them to prepare for and enjoy better health in later life. The focus of the projects should be to combat loneliness and social isolation, and to promote a sense of purpose.
How much can we apply for
- Grants are available up to £15,000.
What sort of projects could this include?
- Encouraging and supporting new opportunities for social interaction, including intergenerational opportunities.
- Developing/supporting volunteering opportunities for older adults that aim to reduce social isolation and loneliness.
- Improving knowledge of and access to sources of support available.
Fund Criteria:
- For new or expanding projects promoting social connectedness for older adults (40+) in Buckinghamshire (excluding the Milton Keynes council area). ‘Expanding‘ refers to the project itself e.g. services expanding or existing projects/initiatives launching in a new location. For example, if your project is to recruit more volunteers or staff, it should be for the purpose of starting a new initiative or project, or launching services/volunteering opportunities in a new location etc.
- Social connectedness should be an intentional outcome of the project, rather than a positive side-effect of another activity.
- We welcome ‘Test and Learn’ projects intended to explore creative and innovative new ways of engaging and supporting the target audience.
- Applicants who can demonstrate how their outcomes will be monitored and evaluated, and how they will engage with older adults who may be more isolated (for example, by location, disability ethnic group etc.)
- One-off events that cannot evidence sustained engagement with people in the longer term are unlikely to meet the criteria for this fund. Please contact us to discuss further if you have any queries regarding your suitability.
Priority will be given to the projects which:
- are designed and delivered with the involvement of older adults.
- demonstrate collaboration with other providers.
Who can apply?:
- Registered charities, community groups, social enterprises, Charitable Incorporated Organisations, Community Interest companies (limited by guarantee), Community Benefit Societies or other not for profit organisations which are based in or operate for the benefit of residents in the area administered by Buckinghamshire Council. This includes parish & town councils. The groups must be formally constituted and operate for public benefit.
What can we fund?
- Project costs associated with new, or the enhancement of existing initiatives – (enhancement projects will be designed to reach new geographic areas or to engage with a new community).
- Core costs, where these are required to enable the delivery of the project outcomes.
- Capital expenditure – we would not expect capital costs to exceed 25% of the overall project cost. Please contact us to discuss further if you think you may need to exceed this.
What can’t we fund?
- Activities promoting a particular religious or political belief.
- Overseas travel.
- Projects which have already started, are already completed or are continuation of existing projects.
- Individuals.
- Statutory bodies – including schools, but excluding parish/town councils.
- Profit-making organisations.
- Organisations whose principal concern is animal welfare.
- Activity which is a statutory responsibility of a public body.
- Organisations who have shareholders (Community Benefit Societies are permitted).
Deadline: 15th May 2024.
How to apply
Please complete this application form before 15th May 2024.
Timeframe: For project/funding start dates no sooner than 1st July 2024, we expect grants to be spent within 12 months.
