Funding to tackle social isolation and loneliness

Small to medium-sized charities and community groups are being urged to apply to a fund to tackle social isolation and loneliness.

Applications can now be made to the Scottish Government's £500,000 Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund, which is being managed by Voluntary Action Fund.

The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is not prescriptive about what can be funded and will support different types of interventions to tackle social isolation including the continuation or expansion of existing activity as well as new activity.

Applications can be made for up to £20,000 to carry out activities over a 12-month period. To be eligible charities and community groups have to work in Scotland, have charitable purposes and have an annual income of under £250,000.

Keith Wimbles, VAF’s Chief Executive observed:

"During its 34 years as a grant-maker, VAF has always believed its role is about more than just money. Increasingly we’ve become aware of the value of developing connections, trust, relationships, shared values and mutually beneficial support, so this Fund is very much in line with our core values. Through the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund, we look forward to supporting some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people through building social capital to make a real difference to their quality of life."

The deadline for applications is Friday 20 May 2016, with the funding period running from July 2016 to June 2017.

To find out more about the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund, please visit VAF’s website, or contact VAF on 01383 620780 or SIALFenquiries@vaf.org.uk.