Grants for older people’s groups

By Paul McGill from NICVA

Published on 22 Feb 2006

NICVA has announced a new small grants scheme for organisations working with older people.

NICVA has announced a new small grants scheme for organisations working with older people. It is seeking applications to its SJI Turkington Bequest for projects that aim to reduce older people’s isolation and loneliness through educational provision.

Launching the scheme, Paula Reynolds, director of member services said, “The scheme is open to small groups which could use a grant of up to £500 for work with older people. We know that for many groups a small grant can make a huge difference and are looking forward to seeing the ideas people have for using education to tackle isolation and loneliness among people over 60.

“Groups don’t have to apply for the full amount; they may need less just to purchase an item of equipment, for training or printing costs for example.

“We would expect to make a total of around 20-30 grants as the overall budget is very modest but this still gives plenty of opportunity.”

FREE GUIDANCE ON APPLICATIONS

NICVA’s funding advice service is able to give guidance to potential applicants and to funding advisers and development workers helping or encouraging others to make applications to the scheme.

“We have tried to make this scheme easy to apply for,” said Neil Irwin of the funding advice service. “^An example of this is the sample form and step by step guidelines included in the application pack. These packs can be downloaded from the Grant Tracker website or copies can be requested from NICVA.”

“We are also giving applicants until 16 March 2006 to apply. This should be plenty of time to get the word out about the scheme and not put time pressures on those interested in applying.”

APPLY

For more information or an application pack contact NICVA at 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT15 2GB; 028 9087 7777; turkingtonbequest@nicva.org; or visit www.grant-tracker.org.