Ageing Well Grant Scheme Supporting Older People’s Groups (aged 50+) 2008/09

This grant scheme has been developed to support the Ageing Well Action Plan. The grant scheme is a partnership between Cardiff Local Health Board, Cardiff Council and the Ageing Well Planning Group and is administered independently by Age Concern Cardiff.

What does the grant scheme support?
The grant scheme is open to all groups or initiatives that support and benefit older people in Cardiff. Applications are welcomed from voluntary organisations and community groups that provide opportunities for older people (aged 50+) to participate in activities that improve health and wellbeing. Applicants should demonstrate how their activities promote the health and well-being of older people, help to combat loneliness and isolation, or increase the participation and involvement of older people in society.

What is the purpose of the Grant Scheme
To enable older people to become actively involved in their community by:

• Providing opportunities to utilise skills and experience
• Developing new skills and learning opportunities
• Increasing participation in existing groups
• Increasing opportunities to be involved in intergenerational activities
• Creating opportunities for people to become more active and lead healthy lifestyles
• Creating opportunities for people to socialise and develop networks
• Recognising the contribution older people make to their communities
• Promoting voluntary activity and providing training for volunteers
• Promoting democratic involvement and engagement in community affairs
• Assisting groups to provide additional opportunities and experiences for group members

What level of grant can be applied for?
Funding applications can range from £50 to £500, however it is anticipated that most grants will be less than £250. For groups wishing to submit larger funding applications assistance can be given to seek additional and matched funding. Priorities of the grant scheme.
Applications are particularly welcomed for activities that meet one or more of the following priorities:

1. Start up costs for new groups and activities
2. Further development of established groups or activities
3. Costs of purchasing essential items
4. Publicity or activities that increase the membership of groups and activities
5. Activities that improve the health, wellbeing or engagement of older people
6. Improving buildings and other spaces to increase access for older people
7. Special events that improve the participation of older people in the local community

Applications will also be considered for (examples only):

• Costs of organising events
• Postage and printing costs
• Transport costs for members to attend events and meetings
• Fees relating to guest speakers, demonstrations and refreshments
• Training, development and support of volunteers

Exclusions from the grant scheme.
Applications for ongoing overhead costs (e.g. rent) will not usually be awarded under the scheme except in exceptional circumstances. As the grant scheme cannot support these costs on an ongoing basis, they should be funded by the core activities of the group or activity.

No more than one application from an individual organisation or group will be considered during each financial year.

The grant scheme will also give priority to activities where it will make a substantial contribution to the overall cost, rather than those where it will make a small contribution to a larger total.

The application form
In order to be considered for a grant the application form must be completed in full. Groups are required to enclose their group rules/constitution and a copy of their latest accounts or a statement of income and expenditure alongside their application. A quotation for goods or services should also be attached where appropriate. Missing details may delay consideration of the application.

The grant award will be made in the form of a cheque payable to either the supplier of goods or services or to the named group where a bank account is held.

If you are applying for other grants for a similar purpose please state who you have applied to.

Monitoring and Evaluation
Where grants are awarded we will ask for a brief outline of how the grant was spent and how the grant has benefited the health and wellbeing of older people in Cardiff. This report will need to be completed either at the end of the activity or twelve months from receipt of the grant.

Copies of receipts for equipment or services purchased should be submitted alongside the report. Receipts for purchases should include VAT.

Under no circumstances must work be carried out or orders placed before the grant is approved.

This information is provided as guidance only. Please take the opportunity to discuss your application with the Age Concern Co-ordinator for your area or the grant scheme contact provided below.

Groups are encouraged to join the Ageing Well Network as a means of sharing good practice and promoting their work