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Funding News

Abbey Charitable Trust is committed to supporting local communities and disadvantaged people, particularly in those areas where Abbey has a significant presence. They can only fund projects that meet one (or more) of the following three priorities to help disadvantaged people: Education and training - This does not have to be formal training or lead to a qualification but could be part of lifelong learning. You would need to demonstrate how disadvantaged people would directly benefit from this training and how it will make a lasting contribution to the local community. Financial advice to help people manage their money

This priority would include giving advice and helping disadvantaged people to take control of their money. It could include budgeting skills as well as managing the financial challenges that arise from being a carer, unemployment, break up of relationships, disability and ill-health. These are just a few examples - any project helping people to make informed choices about their finances might meet this priority.

Community regeneration - This would include projects where different parts of the community work together to help improve the local area. Just two examples might be young people and older people working together or disabled and non-disabled people jointly working on a project. They would be particularly interested in funding environmental projects as well as activities which help bring different groups together.

They prefer to fund projects in areas where they have a branch presence or Community Partnership Group. Most donations will be between £500 and £4,000. They have tried to make applying to Abbey Charitable Trust as easy as possible so they do not use an application form. All you need to do is write them a letter on the official headed notepaper of your charity. Please check details on website for guidance on what you need to do.
They operate a rolling programme so there are no deadlines and you can apply at any time of the year.

For further information please call helpline which is open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 0870 608 0104. Email: communitypartnership@abbey.com
Website: http://www.abbeynational.com/csgs/Satellite?c=GSInformacion&cid=1157700344218&pagename=AboutAbbey/GSInformacion/PAAI_generic

2. UNITY TRUST BANK FUNDRAISING BRIDGING LOAN
Building projects are often delayed whilst charity and voluntary organisations complete their long-term fundraising programmes. The Unity Trust Bank Fundraising Bridging Loan enables building work to commence with loan repayments being made as your fundraising income is received. If there is a shortfall at the end of your fundraising programme, this is converted into a term loan repayable over a time period to suit your organisation.For more information on the Fundraising Bridging Loan either: Email: us@unity.co.uk
Tel: 0845 1553355. Unity Trust Bank plc, Nine Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HB Website: http://www.unity.co.uk/information/100969/101857/101859/fundraising_bridging_loan/

3. HILTON IN THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Foundation makes grants to a wide range of charities and organisations that meet one of our three chosen areas of focus: Young People – Education; Young People – Health; Disaster Relief and International Fund. Applications are rigorously assessed to ensure that the best projects reaching the most disadvantaged young people are prioritised. The Foundation aims to support a range of causes helping young people, across the UK and Ireland. Please note that the Disaster Relief and International Fund is a discretionary fund for which there is no open application process.

There is no limit on the amount of money that a charity can request. However, the Foundation is a small charity and generally will not make awards of over £50,000 (per year). Funding can be requested for up to 3 years for any particular project. Please ensure your completed application is received by the date indicated in order to be considered in the following round. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Remaining application deadlines in 2008 28 October 2008 for Grants Committee Meeting 29 November 2008.

Guidance and application forms are available on website below.
Hilton in the Community Foundation, 179-199 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UL Tel: 020 7605 7733 Fax: 020 7605 7736 Email: info@hilton-foundation.org.uk
Website: http://www.hilton-foundation.org.uk