Grants are available to small registered charities, voluntary groups and charitable organisations in the UK for work that makes a difference to people’s lives as opposed to simply alleviating the symptoms or current problems and should aim to reduce isolation, stigma and discrimination.
The Foundation typically makes around 150 grants in a year with a total value of between £750,000 and £800,000. The Foundation makes single grants, or grants split over two or three years. One-off grants of between £500 and £15,000 are available. The average grant is between £5,000 and £6,000.
To make sure its grants have an impact, the Foundation will not fund larger organisations. If an organisation works in a relatively local area – a village, or estate or small town – to be eligible it will have an income of less than about £100,000. At the other end of the spectrum, an organisation which works across the whole of the UK will be eligible if it has an income of not more than about £250,000.
Overall, the Foundation wishes to fund work which:
- Will make a lasting difference to people’s lives rather than simply alleviating the symptoms or current problems.
- Is aimed at reducing isolation, stigma and discrimination.
- Encourages or enables unpopular groups to share in the life of the whole community.
The Foundation’s new Social Cohesion Programme has been established to provide support to local communities to;
- Proactively work towards building better community cohesion and trust, and encouraging respect and understanding in the local area
- Proactively promote the inclusion of marginalised groups and individuals in the life of the local community
- Fund work which breaks down barriers and tensions in the local community thereby reducing feelings of division and “them and us”.
The Foundation has moved to an online application system. The first step is to go through the online eligibility quiz. Those who are eligible will be directed to the application form. See their website at http://allenlane.org.uk/social-cohesion-programme.
Applications can be made at any time and are considered three times a year, generally in February, June and October. Processing an application and making a grant usually takes between two and six months.
Contact the Allen Lane Foundation for further information on 01904 613223 or gill@allenlane.org.uk.
