The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales has launched a new £2 million funding programme for charities whose work supports older people, in particular, innovative and proactive work that encourages empowerment and independence of older people.
With an ageing population, and one in five older people now living below the poverty line, this new programme will particularly focus on work that is aimed at improving the life choices and chances of older people living in difficult financial circumstances. The funding is open to all registered charities that:
• are currently working with older people particularly those living in financial difficulties living in England and Wales;
• can demonstrate a track record and knowledge of working with this group of people;
• and are particularly interested in innovative work and proactive interventions that encourage and support individual empowerment and independence
Charities must also be able to offer a sustained programme of support; be able to demonstrate measurable changes and benefits for individuals and track the progress of the work over time. Grants will be available for up to a period of three years.
The Foundation has consistently invested in small to medium sized charities supporting disadvantaged older people through its Community programme. In 2011, almost £1 million was invested in 37 charities supporting older people.
Linda Kelly, Chief Executive of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales commented: “The Foundation is delighted to be able to launch this new and additional £2 million programme to support vulnerable older people in these very challenging economic times. This new programme is aimed at supporting charities which are undertaking innovative and proactive work that encourages empowerment and independence of older people. This programme is in addition to our ongoing core cost investment in small to medium sized charities supporting older people and we hope this will encourage a wider range of charities to access funding for this vulnerable and often hidden group in our society.”
Charities looking for more details on eligibility criteria, and how to apply should visit the older people programme page. Closing date for submissions is 20th September 2012.
