Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund

Monday, 31 October 2011

This fund from the Department of Health is for volunteering projects in the health, public health and social care sector. It is open to national organisations and partnerships of local organisations.

The Health Authorities have been divided into four clusters (North of England; Midlands and East; South of England; London). Each project has to operate across four locations within a cluster (that is, across four local authorities). Maps and further details are available from the website. There is also a ‘Search for a partner’ section on the website to help you find potential partner organisations.

There are four funding themes, you should apply under only one of these:

Theme 1 Personalisation and choice of care and support
For projects that build and strengthen people’s choice and control over their own care, with the support of volunteers.

Theme 2 Delivering better health and care outcomes
For projects that improve health and care outcomes through the support of volunteers. Applications that result in measurable reductions in health inequalities and improvements in life expectancy in disadvantaged groups are expected under this theme.

Theme 3 Improving public health
For projects that improve public health through action to reduce inequalities in health, public health and social care through the integration of active volunteering initiatives in localities and communities.

Theme 4 Improving health and social care
For projects that improve the accessibility and options, particularly through increasing citizen voice and advocacy, for long-term health and care by focusing on prevention, personalisation and partnership.

Grants of between £50,000 and £200,000 per year are available over a maximum of 3 years. Funding for 1 and 2 year projects is available. The maximum amount available per year is also dependent on your yearly income, the grant must be no more than 25% of your annual income.

Funding is mainly for revenue costs, capital costs can be included up to a limit of £5,000 per year. Items like buildings, refurbishment and vehicles that become long term assets (e.g. vans, computers, photocopiers etc) are excluded.

To apply you must be:

• A national voluntary / community sector organisation
• A national social enterprise
• A consortia of local organisations (which can include volunatary and community organisations, social enterprises, co-operatives, mutuals and other not-for profit organisations with social aims).

 

The lead partner must have a minimum annual turnover of at least £200,000 per annum.

There is a two stage online application process, you need to register your interest first between 24 October 2011 and 21 December 2011.

Stage 1:
The application portal opens on 7 November 2011 and closes at noon on 18 January 2012.
Once your registration is approved you will receive a user name and password to access the application portal and complete your application.

Stage 2 for shortlisted applicants:
The application portal opens on 12 March 2012 and closes at noon on 16 April 2012.

Applicants who have scored sufficiently highly at Stage 1, and have the best fit with the programme priorities will be invited to submit a Stage 2 application. Stage 2 applicants will only find out that they have been shortlisted the week before 12 March 2012.

You can see a full list of exclusions here.

Contact: Volunteering Fund
Tel: 0845 172 8058