Charities seeking to influence and change national policy in relation to accommodation, social security and refugees and asylum seekers have been invited to apply to a new £1.8m funding pot.
The fund was launched this week by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales (LBFEW), with the funder seeking to partner with charities to influence and change national policy in England and Wales.
LBFEW said the programme is “even more pertinent given the need to influence changes the government has announced in the March 2023 budget”.
It referenced the removal of the work capability assessment and greater use of sanctions, “as well as areas the government failed to address”, such as ensuring Local Housing Allowance is better linked to rent levels.
Grants of £30,000 to £150,000 will be available for up to three years, aimed at those organisations working towards achieving positive change around the social security system, accommodation and refugees and asylum seekers.
The themes were chosen based on evidence from the small and local charities LBFEW partner with and “are areas where there are significant barriers to overcome and where change is needed the most”.
It is interested in initiatives or organisations spearheaded by or actively developed with people, charities and communities with first-hand knowledge of the issues through lived or learned experience and that address inequalities, whether based on race, disability, or other factors.
This funding will support a range of activities, including research, policy work, campaigns, and communications activity, but not the delivery of services.
‘It's getting harder for people who already face disadvantage’
Paul Streets, Lloyds Bank Foundation chief executive, said: “People, communities, and charities are facing huge challenges, compounded by the cost of living crisis. It's getting harder for people, who already face disadvantage, to survive, find accommodation, and get the help they need.
“We need to fix the systems perpetuating those challenges. We can only do this by influencing national policy, particularly at this crucial time in the run up to the next general election. This funding will equip charities to advocate for change, particularly those developed by people directly affected by these issues, and we encourage them to look at our criteria and apply.”
This programme is open to charities and community interest companies with an income of over £25,000.
It is open to those working directly or with others to influence those in power to tackle the causes and consequences of complex issues and the barriers people face.
The deadline for initial expressions of interest is 5pm, 19 May 2023, and the LBFEW has released additional details.
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