Joanies Fund

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended for local organisations with charitable aims that are working with young people from 0 to 25 years of age in England and Wales.

There is particular interest in projects that lead to employment, accreditation, further education, training and integration. The Fund looks for innovation and entrepreneurship. The panel looks for strong evidence of how closely applicants consult young people in developing their service, and for any community involvement or local financial support.

Value Notes

Grants of between £2,000 and £3,000 are typically awarded.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be accepted from the following organisations provided they have charitable aims:

• Organisations set up as Community Interest Companies, or a recognised Social Enterprise that can demonstrate that they have clear charitable purposes and that their work has a defined social benefit.
• Faith based organisations as long as the grant benefits the wider community and is not intended to influence people’s religious choices or promote a particular belief system.
• National charities with a base in the area and a significant local presence can apply if the grant is for the benefit of local people. However, priority is given to small, local organisations.
• Schools seeking funding for activities that are outside the scope of statutory provision.

To be eligible, applicants must have:

• A written constitution/set of rules that sets out the organisation’s purpose, and how it is managed.
• A list of those involved in running the organization, including trustees if appropriate.
• A copy of their most recent annual accounts or financial records showing the balance of funds, income and expenditure. If they do not have financial records that cover a full year, they will need to provide what records they have currently.
• A bank account in the name of the organisation with at least two signatories, and original bank statements. Alternatively, small organisation that do not have a bank account could ask another charitable organisation to look after the funds for them as long as they provide written authorisation from the organisation that will do this.
• A safeguarding policy if the organisation works directly with children or vulnerable adults.
• An equal opportunities policy if the organisation employs staff.

Location

England and Wales

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• National organisations, even if the project is local.
• General appeals.
• Activities which collect funds for subsequent redistribution.
• Individuals.
• Religious groups and organisations.
• Services run by statutory or public authorities, or that replace statutory funding.
• Minibuses.
• Projects that will have started by the Trust’s deadline for applications (unless ongoing).
• Animal charities.
• Celebrations.
• Projects based outside the UK.
• Projects which do not support wider community integration.
• Medical research.
• Political groups or activities promoting political beliefs.
• Sports projects with no community or charitable element.
• Arts projects with no community or charitable element.
• General appeals.
• Retrospective costs.

Eligible Expenditure

The grants can be used for running costs (both project and core costs) as well as capital costs.

How To Apply

Applications are open and can be submitted anytime until July 2025.

The Trustees typically meet three times a year to consider applications.

General grant guidelines and online application form can be found on the Herefordshire Community Foundation website.

Contact the Community Foundation for any further information.