With funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the Centre for Ageing Better will make five grants of around 40,000 to £60,000 each.
The funding is intended to develop and document models of good practice which sustain lifelong contribution, keep people connected to voluntary opportunities and activities, or provide practical support for older people who are currently excluded. The grants can be used for revenue costs of the project.
Successful projects will need to:
- Sustain lifelong contributions and help people remain involved throughout major life changes such as bereavement, caring or developing a health condition.
- Help people connect to and take part in voluntary activities and opportunities that suit their life circumstances, including informal and self-organised contributions.
- Provide practical support to include older people who currently face barriers to volunteering (for example due to health, language, cultural or social factors).
Groups which are experienced in incorporating flexible working practices for volunteers, supporting community led action or tackling barriers that prevent people from taking part are encouraged to apply.
Charities registered in England and Wales as well as Community Interest Companies can apply as long as their activities are taking place in England and they can start their project in April 2019.
The Centre for Ageing Better will work with charities awarded the funding to document and evaluate their projects so that others can learn from and replicate successful approaches.
There is a two-stage application process.
The deadline for initial applications is 10 December 2018 (12 noon).