BBC Children in Need has to be one of the best known funders in the country. It has a very high profile when collecting the money, and the flip side to this is that every year a very large amount – this year £26million and still counting – is available as grants to groups.
It is a very flexible funder in terms of the groups it will fund, how much, and what activities, so if you work with disadvantaged children and young people aged up to 18, check out what they can offer:
Who? Any constituted not for profit group can apply. You don’t have to be a registered charity.
How much? There is a small grant scheme for up to £10,000, and a larger grant scheme where most awards are for below £100,000.
What for? Capital and revenue costs in projects which benefit disadvantaged children. This can be salaries, and overhead costs relating directly to the project. They will fund projects running between one and three years. ‘Disadvantage’ can cover such things as:
• Illness, distress, abuse or neglect
• Any kind of disability
• Behavioural or psychological difficulties
• Living in poverty or situations of deprivation
You will need to show how your project will change the lives of the children for the better. Where possible you should take into account their views and involve them in decisions that affect them.
An example of a sports trust that have been successful through Children in Need is Rotherham United Community Sports Trust who received £75,472 to provide exercise and healthy life-style activities for disadvantaged young people with poor health.
The closing date for the next round of funding is 15 July 2012.
To find out more click here; http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants/guidelines_maingrant.shtml
