Older People's Programme
The aim of this programme is to support older people to be independent, healthy and socially included. Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 per year are available for one or two years.
Grants of up to £10,000 for one year will be considered for projects with significant reach and impact.
Projects must achieve one of the following:
- improve health & wellbeing
- Reduce social isolation
- improve access to facilities and services
Examples of projects that might be supported include:
- providing advice and training
- supporting projects providing respite for carers
- providing Good Neighbourhood and befriending schemes
- Improving access to information and IT for older people, particularly where this involves intergenerational work.
- overcoming problems - helping older people who are experiencing difficult circumstances due to an illness, injury, disability, bereavement or financial difficulty
- helping older people to stay active through sports, arts, recreation, social clubs and volunteering
Who can benefit from the project?
- at least 90% of the people who will benefit from the project must be aged 65+
- all beneficiaries must be living in Wiltshire or Swindon
This programme acknowledges the additional challenges faced by organisations due to cost-of-living crisis and the effects of Covid 19. We encourage applications that help organisations adapt their operating models and deliver their services in the light of these issues.
We welcome applications from all eligible organisations but are keen to support projects taking place in areas of greatest need. We particularly invite applications for projects that seek to support those who are underrepresented in our communities.
If you are new to fundraising, please complete the form but do not be concerned about "getting it right” as we will arrange a call to talk through your application.
Detailed guidance on completing the application form is available here
We held an online Meet the Funder event in to explain the full criteria for the programme. You can view a recording of the session here
What types of organisations can apply?
You can apply for a grant if you are a:
- constituted voluntary or community organisation
- registered charity
- not-for-profit company including community interest companies where the majority of directors receive no payment from the company
You need to be a:
- local or regional organisation only working in Wiltshire or Swindon or in the south/south west of England
- local branch of a national organisation with a local management committee based in Wiltshire or Swindon and your own bank account
Please note: this programme has a particular focus on grassroots non-profit organisations
Your organisation must have:
- an active voluntary management committee with at least three people who are not:
- related to each other or in a long-term relationship
- living at the same address
Your organisation needs to have in place the following financial arrangements, documents and policies:
- a bank account with two signatories that are not related to each other
- less than 12 months running costs in unrestricted reserves. This means in your end of year financial accounts, Unrestricted reserves (not including Designated funds) must be less than your Expenditure
- financial records or accounts
- a recent bank statement
- a constitution
- a financial plan or budget showing this year's expected income, expenditure and reserves.
- an appropriate safeguarding policy and processes in place. Further guidance is available here
If you don't have any of the documents mentioned above please talk to us and we will help.
What can I apply for and how much?
How much can I apply for?
Most grants will be between £1,000 and £5,000 per year for one or two years.
Up to £10,000 for one year for projects with significant reach and impact
You can apply for a grant for:
- continuing something you are already doing
- new activity
You must plan to start spending the grant within 6 months of when it was awarded.
What costs can the grant pay for?
- any reasonable costs for your organisation or project including:
- core or running costs
- project and activity costs
- capital costs (buildings and equipment) you cannot apply for a grant towards building or equipment costing more than £5,000 unless you already have most of the difference between £5,000 and the total e.g. if the building works will cost £20,000 you must have almost £15,000 before you apply
Who must benefit from the grant?
Most of the people who benefit from the grant must
- live in Wiltshire or Swindon and at least 90% must be aged 65+
What we do not fund:
- purchase of second-hand vehicles
- money to individuals or families
- activities which duplicate an existing service
- one-off or sponsored events
- the advancement of religion
- medical research and equipment
- animal welfare
- party political activities
- running costs for pre-schools
Who we don't fund:
- individuals
- schools
- statutory bodies such as city, county or parish councils or health institutions
- charities who operate nationally
This programme is now closed for applications.