Community Foundation Northern Ireland: The Older People’s Fund, Food and Fuel Small Grant Programme

Overview

The Older People’s Fund offers funding for projects that are planned and run by and for older people. Originally called the Turkington Fund, it was created with financial support from NICVA via resources from Turkington and Seapark and is managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. The fund has grown significantly in recent years with additional investment from the Community Foundation and Atlantic Philanthropies.

Groups supporting older people, can access up to £5,000 of financial support.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply your project must target at least one of the key priorities detailed below:

• Supporting older people to keep warm.
• Supporting older people to access a nutritious meal.
• Reducing isolation and vulnerability of older people through supporting participation in activities.
• Enabling older people to access technology, and to potential benefits and entitlements that they may not be aware of.

Examples of projects could include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting older people through delivery of services to live an independent and well-nourished way of life in their own home and as part of the community.
• Providing opportunities for older people to be involved in the design, delivery and ongoing management of community-based initiatives.
• Overcoming social isolation through social contact with other older people building on food activities, such as cooking from scratch and sharing meals, and other activities involving the wider community.
• Promoting intergenerational activities by involving older and younger people in food-based and social activities.
• Providing choice in meeting nutritional needs, including delivery of shopping by volunteers or accompanied shopping, and befriending support.
• Increasing affordability of, and access to, basic foodstuffs and/or fuel.

What can be supported?

• Running costs, such as sessional costs for tutors, support costs, venue hire, transport.
• Food costs for luncheon clubs, meals on wheels, community fridges.
• Capital costs are eligible if they address at least one of the key priorities.
• An end of grant monitoring report must be submitted upon completion of the project.

Who can apply?

• Fully constituted community organisations based within Northern Ireland.