The Improving Lives grant programme provides grants to charitable organisations that help people when other sources of support have failed, are inappropriate, or are simply not available.
They support established organisations delivering services directly to beneficiaries. They are looking for services which can demonstrate a track record of success, and evidence the effectiveness of the work. Grants awarded are in the range of £20k to £60k per annum and over 1 to 3 years.
Who can apply?
UK registered charities, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises with an annual turnover of between £50k to £3m.
What are the funding priorities?
There are six funding priorities that describe the work supported and how they want to bring about change for the most disadvantaged people in the greatest need.
The application form asks you to identify which priority (or priorities) your work meets. All the grants made must meet one of the priorities. Some applications may fit within several priority areas, but you don’t need to address more than one. Applications will be assessed on the quality of the work rather than the number of priority areas they are working towards. The six priorities are:
- Help at a critical moment
- Positive choices
- Accommodation/housing support
- Employment and training
- Financial inclusion, rights and entitlements
- Support networks and family
What can the grant be used for?
Running costs, salaries or projects.
Is there a deadline?
Applications can be submitted at any time. There are no deadlines. Applications are assessed as they are received. It will take up to six months from submission for you to hear the outcome, though you will know within eight weeks if your application is not being shortlisted.
Make an application
Go to the Henry Smith Charity website.