Ageism Action Day: Micro-grants for Age-friendly Communities

Overview

What is the Action Day?

As part of their campaign, which formally launches in January 2024, to highlight the issue of ageism in the UK, Ageing Better is running an Action Day with the aim of prompting people across the country to challenge the way age and ageing is represented.

They want everyone to think differently about ageing, to add their voice to that of others who are already taking a stand on the issue.

It’s a perfect opportunity for those who are ready to do more. It will be an annual day for individuals and communities, workplaces, friends and families to learn, take action and improve lives. A chance for everyone to do something to change the narrative about age and ageism.

What is the theme for the Action Day?

The theme for the day is see and be seen, which is all about improving representation of ageing and older people.

Why are they offering micro-grants?

They want everyone to be able to take part in the Action Day, but they know it can often be easier for some people than others to find the time and money to be able to do so. They also know that people across the country are experiencing ageism in different ways. Each of us has different ideas on how we raise awareness of and tackle ageism that work for us and our communities. They want to support this creativity across the day through offering micro-grants.

What can the micro-grant cover?

Groups can choose to mark the day as they would like, using the theme “see and be seen” as inspiration, which is all above improving the way ageing is represented in society and challenging negative portrayals and associations. It could be supporting art exhibitions, poetry competitions, fashion shows, film viewings, events which bring generations together, sharing stories of ageing or creating opportunities to discuss ageism at a coffee morning or pub quiz. The options are endless!

How much is available?

Grants of up to £500 are available, with an additional up to £150 to cover anything needed to make the event or activity more accessible. The lower limit for applications is £75.

They encourage groups to find match/in kind funding if they want to host a bigger activity or event.

What do they want to fund?

The grants are available for groups to mark the Action Day. This will likely be to host an activity or event in your community.

They encourage all events and activities to respond to the theme “see and be seen”, which they want applicants to interpret in their own way.

They would like to see creative, exciting ways of marking the day, that work for your community.

They encourage all applicants to consider equality and diversity when developing their plans. This might be about ensuring the activity is accessible and inclusive to a range of ages, abilities and demographics. Or it might be about holding an event targeted for a particular group, especially those whose experiences of ageing are not often “seen”, such as older carers, those ageing without children, or LGBT+ older people.

Below are a couple of ideas for what you could do, only for inspiration. It could be about:

• Showcasing photos, poetry or art of, or by, different age groups, like through a competition or exhibition on a related theme such as celebrating ageing.
• Having conversations about internalised ageism, and how someone might be limiting their options as they get older without realising it, at a coffee morning or pub quiz for instance.
• Telling people’s stories of ageing, the experiences someone has gained over the years or the contributions they’ve made to society. This could look like hosting local awards which recognise older and younger volunteers, or a video showing the work of older activities.
• Physically bringing different ages groups together to take action, like at an intergenerational “reclaim the streets” evening walk or a skills-sharing workshop.
• Targeting an activity which would not usually include older people or an older age group, like a walking football takeover of a local football stadium, or an over 50s nightclub event.

The sorts of things the funding may cover are (not exhaustive list):

• Facilitators
• Professionals’ time, like artists or instructors
• Volunteer expenses
• Room hire
• Equipment (where it is used as part of the event)
• Printing
• Refreshments

You can also apply for additional funding of up to £150 for things which may make your event more accessible. You can also utilise the “up to £500” grant to deliver these things. This might include (not exhaustive list):

• Transport to attend an event or activity or to deliver resources to people’s homes
• Accessibility requirements, such as virtual or online events for people with sight and hearing loss
• Contribution towards an interpreter
• Cover the cost of carers being able to attend
• Translation of materials

When do the activities need to happen?

As much as possible they would encourage all activities to happen on the Action Day on 20th March 2024, to build the sense of movement across the country. If the activities are launching something that will last longer than a day you may choose to launch it on the day.

If it is a one-off event, the event must happen between 16th and 24th March.

Who is eligible for the grant?

The grant is available to community groups and local voluntary sector organisations, big and small, who are based in communities who are members of the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities.

The sort of groups these grants may fund might include, but are not limited to:

• Community groups
• Older peoples’ forums
• Theatre groups
• Faith groups
• Art groups
• Residents’ associations
• Lunch clubs
• Local voluntary sector organisations
• Community Interest Companies

The grants are available to small groups and constituted groups, as well as registered charities, CICs etc. If you are a small group who does not have a bank account, you will need to apply in partnership with another group i.e. a local voluntary sector organisation who can hold the funds for you.

Groups may already have a specific focus on older people or ageing, or might be using the Action Day as a new opportunity to engage with the issue of ageism, and they encourage applications from both.