A new grant programme for charities led by and working with d/Deaf and Disabled people in poverty were launched on 7 June, by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales. This year, 40 eligible charities will receive an unrestricted grant of £75,000 over three years as well as additional support to strengthen their organisation.
Grants are open to small charities whose mission is to reduce poverty and disadvantage amongst d/Deaf and Disabled people through welfare advice, advocacy and frontline services. To be eligible, charities must have at least 75% of their trustees and 50% of their staff self-identifying as d/Deaf or Disabled, and an annual income between £25,000 and £500,000.
Developed in partnership with d/Deaf and Disabled groups, the new grant programme forms part of Lloyds Bank Foundation’s wider commitment to strengthen small charities and help communities and people overcome complex issues and barriers so they can transform their lives. By offering unrestricted funding and support to develop and strengthen to frontline charities, the Foundation aims to maximise the difference small charities can make to the lives of people facing systemic barriers.
Gateway into the Community, based in Northumberland, which helps more than 200 people with a learning disability each year, has been supported by Lloyds Bank Foundation since 2021. The Foundation provided unrestricted funding and additional support that helped the charity upskill their teams to apply to other funders.
Julia Ferguson, CEO of Gateway into the Community, said: “Unrestricted funding is always the hardest for small charities to secure, yet it provides the foundations from which our services can operate. We need to be guided by our skills and experience rather than instructed on who or how to support.
“Lloyds Bank Foundation’s support and funding was offered from a perspective of our needs as a local charity, allowing us to keep our autonomy and care for everyone. Its Peer Learning Network with other small charity CEOs and introduction to Lloyds Banking Group colleagues who volunteered time with us to share their expertise were fantastic. Since half of our trustees have a learning disability, we utilised this support to examine how we can support them in their roles. We recruited additional trustees so that we have a range of skills to implement our strategy and manage risk.”
Paul Streets, CEO at Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, said:
“Small, specialist charities led by and for d/Deaf and Disabled communities have already been making a huge impact in overcoming systemic barriers and creating lasting change. Their personalised approach and deep understanding of the unique needs of their community, combined with their ability to quickly adapt to emerging challenges, make them an essential resource in a constantly changing world.
“This grant is one of three funding programmes we have launched this year, and forms 25% of our total unrestricted funding. By providing a combination of funding, development, and influencing support, we help charities maximise their impact and communities to grow stronger, working towards a more just and compassionate society.“
Charities interested in applying can visit the Lloyds Bank Foundation website, Alternatively, email enquiries@lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk or call 0370 411 1223. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2023, 5pm; grants will be awarded from mid-December 2023.