Integrated Education Fund: Trust Programme
Overview
The IEF is a charity which provides financial support for the development and growth of integrated education with an aim to make integration, not separation, the norm in our education system. We support the continued growth of integrated school places and assist schools in their efforts to proactively provide the opportunity for all pupils to engage meaningfully together, whatever their cultural and religious backgrounds, in order to reach their full potential.
The Trust Programme – Integration in Practice is designed to help schools embed the integrated ethos within the structure of the school. The Trust Programme is open to the following schools:
a) Existing Integrated Schools
An integrated ethos is something that needs to be regularly reviewed, developed and actioned. It doesn’t automatically happen by just having a religious and cultural mix of pupils.
b) Pre-Transformation Schools
This element is designed to support those schools that are starting out on their journey to integrated status and have had a positive parental ballot.
Applicants are encouraged to work with other nearby integrated or pre-Transformation schools where possible and therefore joint applications will be accepted.
All applications should include school-based and community activities that demonstrate an integrated ethos, and projects must be completed within the academic year. Examples of work to be funded include: whole school training for staff, governors and parents; updating school policies; developing school approaches on contentious issues; religious education; assemblies and/or festivals.
Funding Available
Funding of up to £3,000 for an individual school project and up to £4,000 for joint projects is available. The total amount of funding available for the programme is limited and therefore the number of grants that the IEF can award is also restricted.
Criteria
In order to be considered for a Trust Programme grant, applicants should show that the grant will:
- Support clear development and / or improvements on issues of integration within the school setting including improving religious balance within the school.
Guidance
A maximum of £2,000 for sub-cover/teacher costs (at a maximum rate of £165 per day) and £1,000 for facilitation costs may be applied for as part of the project. Schools wishing to use external venues may consider applying for funding towards community facilities but should not use alternative venues such as hotels. Priority may be given to schools who did not apply for funding in Round 5. Unapproved changes to any approved grant may not be reimbursed unless prior approval is provided by the IEF.