Thursday, 20 July 2017

Training for third sector organisations on developing bilingual services



Aims
This FREE training session, run by the Welsh Language Commissioner, will enable attendees to develop their organisation’s use of the Welsh language. It will provide information, research and practical advice to aid in planning for increasing the organisation’s Welsh language provision.
Content
What’s the role of the Welsh language within the third sector? How is it relevant to you, your organisation and your service users? How can you plan to ensure you meet the needs of your audience?
This half day training session will look at the advantages of the Welsh language, historical and current language context, the support available from the Welsh Language Commissioner and practical planning to develop your Welsh language provision.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course learners will be able to
  • Understand the historical and contemporary Welsh language context
  • Understand the legislative and public policy situation in Wales
  • Understand the relevance of the Welsh language to their customers and service users
  • Describe the advantages of the Welsh language within the third sector
  • Evaluate their organisation’s current use of the Welsh language
  • Plan some initial steps towards developing their organisation’s use of the Welsh language
  • Identify and use the support and advice available, free of charge, from the Welsh Language Commissioner and others
Who this course is for
The training is suitable for
  • Workers, volunteers and trustees who want to gain a better understanding of the role of the Welsh language within their organisation
  • Staff members with responsibility for their organisation’s Welsh language provision
  • Individuals wanting to learn more about the relevance of the Welsh language to their role
Additional information
10am - 1pm
  • Please note: this training is not suitable for officers from organisations with a statutory obligation to provide Welsh language services. This includes public sector organisations and some from the third sector. There is further information on the Welsh Language Commissioner’s website . If you are uncertain, please get in touch for more information hybu@comisiynyddygymraeg.org / 08456 033 221 www.comisiynyddygymraeg.org/hybu
Date: 
21 September 2017 (0.5 Days) - PAVO Llandrindod Wells (LD1 6DF)
Trainer: 
Comisiynydd y Gymraeg


Wednesday, 19 July 2017

A new online portal to provide trustees with tailored guidance will launch by the end of December 2017

The new charity services portal is intended to be a “one stop shop” that will make it easier for charities to “self serve” and track progress on any applications to the Commission, “a bit like Parcelforce”.  It will also ensure that “guidance and content is tailored” depending on the type and size of charity.  

Another digital service being tested at the moment is one which will make it possible to change a charity’s name in 24 hours, where currently it takes an average of 33 days. 

To read more Click here

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Trusthouse Charitable Foundation

The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation provides grants to charitable and not-for-profit organisations in the UK for small, local projects working to address community issues in areas of extreme Urban Deprivation or remote, socio-economically deprived rural areas.
The Foundation supports charities and not-for-profit organisations, including CICs, social enterprises, not-for-profit registered companies and voluntary organisations whose projects address the Foundation's two target areas:
1. Rural Isolation & Poverty - applications are accepted from organisations which are addressing issues in rural areas which are classified as being in the lowest 50% in terms of the latest government Indices of Multiple Deprivation. Rural in this context means cities, towns, villages and areas with 10,000 or less inhabitants. For example:
o Projects providing transport for the elderly, disabled or disadvantaged;
o Contact networks for the young disabled;
o Projects which encourage a sense of community such as community centres and village halls;
o Employment training schemes especially those promoting local, traditional crafts; or
o Projects addressing issues such as drug/alcohol misuse or homelessness.
2. Urban Deprivation - Applications are accepted from local or national charities or not-for-profit organisations which are working with residents of urban areas (ie more than 10,000 inhabitants) which are classified in the latest government Indices of Multiple Deprivation as being in the lowest 20%. For example:
o Youth clubs;
o Training schemes to help people out of unemployment; or
o Drop in centres for the homeless.
Within these two overarching themes, the Charity is interested in the following three areas:
(a) Community Support, for example: 
o Work with young people;
o Community centres and village halls;
o Employability programmes;
o Volunteering;
o Healthy eating and living;
o Support for young carers;
o Respite services;
o Older people’s projects;
o Befriending;
o Intergenerational projects;
o Luncheon clubs;
o Help for refugees;
o Family support;
o Community transport;
o Sports projects;
o Rehabilitation of ex-offenders;
o Alcohol and drug misuse projects; or
o Domestic violence prevention and aftermath;
(b) Disability and Healthcare, for example:
o Projects in deprived areas for people of all ages with physical and/or sensory disabilitie;
o Support for people with mental health issues;
o Hospices;
o Projects for ex-service personnel;
o Community awareness and integration; or
o Music therapy projects.
(c) Arts, Education and Heritage, for example:
o Arts projects for people with disabilities;
o Performance or visual arts with a clear and strong community impact;
o Alternative education projects;
o Supplementary teaching;
o Heritage projects in marine or industrial areas which involve local people and have a demonstrable community benefit.
(d) Hospices
Trusthouse is interested in supporting capital projects at hospices throughout the UK. Applicants will need to have secured a minimum of 50% of the total cost of the project and to identify a specific element of the project which a grant from Trusthouse would cover. Priority will be given to projects that benefit patients, rather than visitors or staff. Trusthouse does not give grants for hospice running costs. Although Trusthouse waives the need for hospices to comply with the requirement that applicants should be based in areas of extreme urban deprivation or remote rural districts, preference will still be given to such areas, as the possibilities of local fundraising are more limited.
(e) Themed Grants Programme
Trusthouse runs three-year programmes focussing on a specific issue of interest to the Trustees. The next themed grant programme 'will probably' open in late 2017. Grants are available for covering overheads and salary costs are available capital projects, for one-off expenditures such as equipment and new builds are also available.
The Foundation offers the following levels of support:
o Small Grants: of between £1,000 and £6,000;
o Standard Grants: of between £6,001 and £12,000;
o Large Grants: of between £10,000 and £50,000 for capital projects only.
With effect from 1 July 2017, the maximum amount that applicants can request for Large Grants, Hospices, Village Halls and Community Centres was increased from £45,000 to £50,000. These grants are only for one-off capital projects where the total cost of the project is under £1 million (apart from hospices where there is no maximum total cost limit).
There is a 50% match funding requirement for all projects.
During the year ending 30th June 2016 the Foundation made grants of £2.86m (2015: £2.37m) to 300 applicants from 971 applications made (2015: 342 awards from 1,140 applications made). The success rate is therefore around 32%,
The following conditions apply:
o Groups with a total annual income of up to £100,000 can apply for Small Grants of up to £6,000 for revenue costs such as core costs, salaries, overheads, project costs. Decisions are made within four to six weeks;
o Groups with an income over £100,000 and under £250,000 can apply for Small Grants of up to £6,000 for one-off capital cost for new buildings, repairs and improvements, or the purchase of equipment. Decisions are made within four to six weeks.
o Groups with a total annual income of over £250,000 and under £500,000 can apply for Standard Grants of between £6,001 and £12,000 for revenue or one-off capital costs. The total cost of capital projects must be less than £1 million. Decisions are made quarterly.
o Groups with a total annual income of over £500,000 and under £5 million can apply for Large Grants of over £10,000 and up to £50,000 for one-off capital costs only. The total cost of the project must be for less than £1 million. Buildings must be owned by applicant or leased for a minimum of five years. Decisions are made quarterly.
o Village halls and community centres with any income up to £5 million can apply for village hall and community centre capital grants of between £1,000 and £50,000 for new builds, repairs, improvements or extensions. Decisions are made quarterly.
o Hospices only can apply for capital grants of between £6,000 and £50,000 for new builds, repairs, improvements, extensions and equipment purchase. Decisions are made quarterly.
All grants are for one year only. Funding is available for general running costs including salaries, core costs and overheads and capital expenditure on buildings or essential equipment.
The Foundation operates a rolling programme and groups can apply at any time throughout the year.
Grants Committee meetings are held in February, late April/early May, July and late October/early November.
Applications need to be received at least six weeks before a meeting to be included on the agenda.
Small Grant applications can be made at any time through the year and will receive a final decision within six weeks.
The guidelines can be found on the Trust's website and applicants are urged to read the guidelines before starting the application process.
They should also use the online eligibility checker which will lead to the application form. Applicants will be taken through a short questionnaire to identify which type of grant is most suitable.
All applications should be submitted by post. For further information, visit the Trusthouse Foundation’s website.
Contact details for the Foundation are:
Judith Leigh
Grants Manager
The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
65-68 Leadenhall Street
London EC3A 2AD
Tel: 020 7264 4990
or
Marie Hale
Grants Officer for Small Grants
The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
65-68 Leadenhall Street
London EC3A 2AD
Tel: 020 7264 4990  

(Source: GRIN)

Tuesday, 11 July 2017

The Fore Trust

The Fore Trust is the only open-access funder in the UK offering development funding and strategic support to early-stage charities and social enterprises.
The Fore will fund any organisation that is small (i.e. with an annual income less than £1m) and charitable. Applicants need to be UK registered, but can be a charity, social enterprise or community interest company.
Grants can be for up to £30,000 and are intended to help organisations develop or do something new.
Applicants need to explain what difference the funding will make and what it will enable the organisation to achieve. For example, a grant could enable an organisation to take a step forward in its development by giving it the opportunity to do something it couldn’t previously.
Successful applicants are also matched with friendly professional support – ongoing mentoring, strategic advice, governance support or other assistance.
The Fore runs three twelve-week funding rounds to coincide with the academic calendar each year.
To apply for funding, organisations must register at the start of each funding round.
Numbers for each round are capped to ensure every application is given the attention it deserves.
Registration is run on a first-come, first-serve basis and once the cap is reached, the round is closed, therefore applicants are strongly advised to register early.
Once successfully registered, organisations are invited to submit a simple application via a secure weblink.
Registration for the Autumn 2017 round opens at 10am on Monday 24 July with an application deadline of Tuesday 29 August.
Funding decisions will be made by the first week in December 2017.
For further information, visit The Fore Trust website.
Contact details for The Fore Trust, which is part of the Bulldog Trust, are:
Mrs. Mary Gunn
The Bulldog Trust Ltd
2 Temple Place
London
WC2R 3BD
Tel: 02072 406044
Email:
 info@bulldogtrust.org

(Source: GRIN)

Friday, 7 July 2017

W H Smith's Community Grants Scheme

W H Smith’s Community Grants scheme is funded by the 5p carrier bag levy and is available across the UK, with a preference for supporting community projects in areas where W H Smith has retail outlets. 
The W H Smith Group Charitable Trust is an independed registered charity (no. 1013782) based in Swindon, Wiltshire.
The Trust has the following charitable objectives:
o Support local charities in communities across the UK; and
o Promote literacy and a love of reading.  
Grants of up to £500 are available to:
o Registered or Exempt Charities;
o Constituted voluntary organisations;
o Community groups; and
o Schools and pre-schools.
There is no match funding requirement.
A wide range of community projects can be funded.
Although W H Smith outlets can be found in many town centres, the W H Smith Group Charitable Trust allocated grants totalling just £128,589 (2014: £122,549) during the year ending 31 December 2015.
Previous awards have included:
o Devizes Canoe Club;
o Friends of Dorchester School;
o Savernake Forest Scouts Group;
o Wiltshire Air Ambulance;
o Homestart; and
o Reminiscence Learning, the multi-award winning dementia charity based in Wellington, Somerset. 
The following are not eligible for a grant:
o Party political organisations;
o Religious organisations;
o Military organisations;
o Individuals;
o Expeditions; or
o Overseas travel.
The application periods each year are :
o 1 April to 30 September; and
o 1 October to 31 March.
A short application form can be completed online on the Trust’s website.
Contact details for the Trust are:
W H Smith Trust
Greenbridge Road
Swindon
SN3 3LD
Tel: 01793 562824
Email:
 communitygrants@whsmith.co.uk
(Source: GRIN)

Thursday, 6 July 2017

COMIC RELIEF CARE HOME CHALLENGE FUND

Comic Relief’s Care Home Challenge Fund provides opportunities for not-for-profit care homes for older people and the wider voluntary sector to develop and try out innovative ideas that will:
o Put people and relationships at the heart of the care that is being delivered; and
o Create a vibrant caring community where residents, staff and visitors feel valued and welcome.
Round 2 of the Challenge Fund aims to encourage physical or mental activity, movement and increased mobility, social connections and engagement for residents.
This may involve sporting activities such as martial arts or dance, but could also include other forms of gentle leisure/recreational activities such as gardening. Mentally stimulating work may include arts and/or reminiscence-based activities, such as singing, dancing or playing instruments.
Comic Relief is interested in funding projects which supports residents with a range of abilities. Based on learning from Round 1, priority will be given to applications which:
o Involve residents and staff taking part in meaningful activities together, and protect staff members’ time to ensure their full participation;
o Partner with a third-party activity provider, such as a local charity, which has a good understanding of the care home context and residents’ needs;
o Are ‘person-centred’, planning the work in response to residents’ needs and interests, involving residents in co-designing activities, and respecting people’s choice to participate;
o Demonstrate a clear commitment to the proposed activity from the care homes involved, particularly from the managers and activity coordinators;
o Support staff to build skills and confidence so they can facilitate or deliver activities, enabling sustainability beyond the life of the project; and
o Show how they are building on the findings from Round 1 (applicants should refer to the Evaluation Report of Round 1).
Comic Relief expects to award 20 grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 to charitable and non-charity care homes in this round.
It is expected that each grant will reach a maximum of 4 to 5 care homes. Grants will last for between 18 and 24 months. This will include time for planning, partnership building and delivery. Match funding is likely to prove advantageous.
Activity providers that were involved in projects funded in Round 1 are eligible to apply to Round 2 as a partner.  The application must be led by a care home provider.
Applicants should:
o Meet Comic Relief’s general eligibility requirements;
o Be UK-based care home providers, registered with the Care Quality Commission, Care Inspectorate (Scotland), Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales or the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (NI);
o Be able to give their current inspection rating relating to person centred care and wellbeing and to explain how the funding requested will enable them to improve provision in this area; and
o Be willing to participate fully in an evaluation of the fund.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Friday 4 August 2017.
An online application form is available on the Comic Relief website.
Contact details for the Challenge Fund are:
Comic Relief
89 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7TP
Tel: 020 7820 2000
Email:
 grantsinfo@comicrelief.com

(Source: GRIN)

Wednesday, 5 July 2017

Free event looking at fundraising in Llandrindod - book today!

Third Sector Support Wales partners are to hold a regular series of free information events looking at topical issues.
The first round events will focus specifically on fundraising, with the chance to hear from the Fundraising Regulator's team on a number of topics, including the Fundraising Preference Service and its implications for your organisation. You'll also learn about the Institute of Fundraising's new project which aims to use experienced mentors to work with your organisation to study and strengthen your fundraising practices.
The events take place on:
  • Monday 10 July, 9.30am-12.30pm, PAVO, Llandrindod Wells
  • Tuesday 11 July, 9.30am-12.30pm, Canolfan Soar, Merthyr Tydfil
  • Thursday 13 July, 9.30am-12.30pm, FLVC Mold
You can find the full programme here and book here.
Third Sector Support Wales is a network of support organisations for the whole of the third sector in Wales, consisting of the 19 local and regional support bodies, the County Voluntary Councils and WCVA.
(Source: WCVA)