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
*Please note that this programme is regularly oversubscribed and in previous rounds some applications have received part funding. We will contact all applicants to discuss their request in more detail so will explore the implications of possible part funding for your organisation at this point.
To date, 70% of applications have received funding, of which 60% were awarded part funding.
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 issues and the effects that this is having on the older population. 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 funding if you are a:
- constituted voluntary or community organisation or a
- registered charity or a
- not-for-profit company, including Community Interest Companies where: the majority of directors receive no payment from the company, it is limited by guarantee* and has a suitable asset lock clause
*If the CIC is limited by shares, please speak to us before applying.
You also need to be a:
- a local organisation based and operating in Wiltshire &/or Swindon (this can include local branches of national organisations with your own management committee based in Wiltshire or Swindon and bank account).
or
- an organisation based outside Wiltshire/Swindon that meets the following:
- applying for work in Wiltshire &/or Swindon
- the majority of your other services are in counties neighbouring Wiltshire/Swindon
- have worked collaboratively with local people to identify need and the best way to address issues
- have a good understanding of other services in the area you propose to serve and not duplicating support already on offer
Your organisation must have:
- an active Voluntary Management Committee or Directors or Trustees of at least three people who are not:
- related to each other or in a long-term relationship
- living at the same address
- a constitution appropriate to the size and structure of the organisation
- a safeguarding policy in the name of the organisation, that is regularly reviewed and updated and with a named safeguarding lead
- an equalities policy in the name of the organisation
Safeguarding and equalities policies should reflect current legislation and the activities and scope of your organisation. Further guidance on safeguarding and equalities is available here
Your organisation needs the following financial arrangements and documents:
- a bank account in the name of the organisation with two signatories who are not related to each other
- an appropriate level of reserves for the size and nature of your organisation. We would expect your unrestricted reserves to represent less than 12 months running costs
- financial records or accounts showing income, expenditure and reserves for the most recent financial year
- a financial plan or budget showing this year's expected income, expenditure and reserves.
- a recent bank statement – we will need this to be able to pay you your grant if you are awarded
If you don't have some of the documents mentioned above, please talk to us for further advice. New organisations who do not have some of the above in place may be able to apply through another charitable organisation.
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
- general arts or sports projects with no significant community or charitable element
- one-off or sponsored events
- the advancement of religion
- medical research and equipment
- animal welfare
- party political activities
- running costs for pre-schools
- general curriculum-based work for schools and/or activities that don’t target programme specific priorities
Who we don't fund:
- individuals
- schools
- statutory bodies such as city, county or parish councils or health institutions
- charities who operate nationally
- charities that operate nationally
- companies limited by shares
This programme is currently closed for applications.