Organisations supporting women and girls can apply for a share of £15m from the Tampon Tax Fund.
The grants will be given to fund projects which directly benefit disadvantaged women and girls, tackle violence and support their mental health and wellbeing.
As in previous years, larger charities and foundations will be able to apply for grants of £1m or more. These are then to be distributed to organisations that offer small and medium-sized onward grants.
In addition this year, applicants are able to use part of their grant funding to improve organisational sustainability.
To date more than £62m of VAT on sanitary products has gone to good causes. The Tampon Tax Fund comes entirely from VAT receipts on women’s sanitary products.
While the UK was a member of the European Union, VAT on these products could not fall below 5%. However, the chancellor has now confirmed that this tax will end in January 2021, following Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.
As VAT on sanitary products is not ending until January 2021, at the end of the Brexit transition period, there will be further tax collected for the remainder of this year which will continue going to charity.
Baroness Barran, minister for civil society, said: “I am delighted that over the life of the Tampon Tax Fund we have been able to provide £62m worth of grants to more than 70 charities working to help disadvantaged women and girls.
“I urge charities to bid for this funding that will not only continue to support women most in need, but help organisations to become more sustainable so they can plan for the future."
Grants may be for one or two-year projects, and all activities must be concluded and funds spent by 30 June 2022.
The deadline for applications is 31 May 2020.
Related articles
