Comic Relief is looking to invest in and partner with intermediary funders who have the expertise, networks and local knowledge to work with community-led grassroots organisations to bring about change in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Grants are being made available to small grassroots organisations with an annual income of £250,000 or less, producing a portfolio of projects across four strategic themes:
- Children Survive and Thrive
- Fighting for Gender Justice
- A Safe Place to Be
- Global Mental Health Matters
Applicants should have an in-depth understanding of the context in the nation (Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) where they will be funding and be able to manage their grantees across a broad geographical spread, reaching both rural and urban communities.
They need to have a strong track record with previous experience of grant making and be able to demonstrate their capacity to deliver this kind of work at scale. They should be more than just ‘re-granting intermediaries’; they should also be able to support and strengthen grassroots groups, building civil society and the relationships and networks that underpin it.
Comic Relief will consider core funding for capacity development as part of the budget if appropriate.
The initial funding is available for two years up to the following amounts per nation:
- £2 million for Scotland
- £1.5 million for Wales
- £1 million for Northern Ireland
There is a two-stage application process.
The deadline for first stage applications is 1 October 2018 (12pm).