>> Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)

Funding News - 1.07.08

Charities that run innovative projects could be in line for £50,000 grants.
The Innovation Exchange, which was set up by the Government to encourage the spread of innovative ideas in the English voluntary sector, has opened its Next Practice programme for applications.

The programme offers in-kind support to help successful applicants develop, evaluate and expand their work.

Applicants could also be eligible for funding from an associated grants programme run by the National Endowment for Society, Technology and the Arts, which is offering grants of up to £50,000.

Charities that run projects to help excluded young people or to promote independent living are invited to submit applications.

We are looking for fledging, innovative projects, said John Craig, director of the Innovation Exchange, which was founded last year. They might have a really great idea but need to demonstrate that it works and that’s where we could help.

Charities have until 31 July to submit expressions of interest. For more information see: http://innovation-exchange.org/next-practice-programme


LOAN FUND BACKS SECTOR BODIES IN CONTRACT BIDS

Futurebuilders England has opened a £1m loan fund to help voluntary organisations prepare bids for contracts to deliver public services.
Third sector organisations can apply for three-year interest-free loans of between £3,000 and £50,000 to help pay for costs associated with bidding, such as legal fees.

To be eligible for loans, organisations must show that they could not secure funds from a commercial lender and would have a realistic chance of winning the contract they were bidding for.
For further information please visit website
http://www.futurebuilders-england.org.uk/content/News/Pressreleasesnew/newstest12/article_37_1472.aspx


DH - THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT FUND
From April 2007, the Department of Health (DH) is holding a Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF) of £100 million over a four year period.
In 2007/08, £1.7 million revenue and £8.9 million capital money was available to new and existing social enterprises, delivering health and social care services, who applied successfully for this funding. The government defines a social enterprise as 'a business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are principally reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to maximise profit for shareholders and owners.’
In 2008/09, the DH is making a further £11 million capital and £6 million revenue funding available to new and existing social enterprises.
Organisations that can apply for this funding include: Multi-agency partnerships, particularly voluntary and community groups wishing to use their expertise to provide services across health and social care; Existing social enterprises looking to expand into health and social care; Groups of professionals (e.g. nurses, therapists), seeking to form a social enterprise to deliver their services.
All the social enterprises they support would be expected to have “not-for-profit” status, in that surpluses will be reinvested in the pursuit of their social aims. The application round for 2008/09 is open from 6 May to 31 July.
For more information consult website below or contact Email: socialenterprisefund@dh.gsi.gov.uk Website:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Commissioning/Socialenterprise/DH_073426