Around 20 grants of up to £7,500 are available to registered charities, exempt charities, community groups and Community Interest Companies (CICs) with an annual income of under £250,000 in England, Scotland and Wales that are working with over 65’s living in deprived areas.
The McCarthy & Stone Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Creating Connections Grants Programme for charities and community groups in England, Scotland and Wales that are helping to reduce loneliness and isolation for people aged 65 and over.
The Foundation is seeking to fund initiatives that help create meaningful social connections for over 65’s, including:
- Befriending services, including meal delivery for those living independently.
- Community transport, connecting older people to local activities and services, and
- Social groups, such as art classes, dance sessions, lunch clubs and coffee mornings.
Grants of up to £7,500 are available for projects that aim to reduce loneliness and isolation among older people living in the deprived areas of England, Scotland and Wales. Evidencing a high level of local need is a significant part of the application process, as - when all else is equal - priority will be given to those applications working in more deprived areas. Approximately 20 grants are expected to be awarded.
Eligible charitable organisations that serve a broad older population — including individuals with dementia, but not organisations that are dementia-specific — are welcome to apply for a Creating Connections grant.
Further information, guidance and an online application form is available on the Foundation’s website.