The centenarian, Captain Sir Tom Moore has been lauded across the world for his amazing fundraising contribution to NHS Charities Together raising over £39 million. This incredible fundraising achievement is part of a wider appeal for funds that raised over £100 million and has been distributed amongst NHS charities including Forth Valley Giving, the NHS Forth Valley charitable arm. Already this fund has helped hospitals carry out their vital work through the pandemic, but there is a recognition that the NHS relies also on partners in the third sector.

With this in mind, the Forth Valley COVID-19 Partnership has launched a new grants programme, distributing funds to support communities and people affected by COVID-19 outside of hospital.

The Forth Valley Covid-19 Partnership consists of the NHS Forth Valley Endowment Fund (better known as Forth Valley Giving), the 3 Third Sector Interfaces (CVS Falkirk, SVE and CTSI), and both Health and Social Care Partnerships operating in the Forth Valley.

Together they will oversee the new Community Partnership Grants Programme, which will distribute £126,000 of local grants, and is open to any registered charity, community interest company (CIC), community or voluntary group with a bank account delivering services in the Forth Valley area.

The grants are only open to organisations offering support to the following types of work:

support for unpaid carers
people affected by drugs and alcohol
people isolated and lonely
groups helping with wellbeing and mental health community support
suicide prevention
bereavement and end of life support

There will be a large grant programme offering 7 grants up to £15,000 each (Phase One). Following that, there will be a second phase of small and micro grants of up to £2,000 and £1,000 (Phase Two). Those unsuccessful to the large grant scheme (which will be use a simple expression of interest form to start) can alternatively apply for the second phase of small and micro grants.

All the grants aim to be distributed by end March 2021. The closing date for Phase One is Monday 1^st February; the launch of Phase Two will start on Tuesday 2^nd February and close on Friday 26^th February.

Those looking to apply for Phase One should first read the application guidance (available to view or download as a pdf).

To apply for Phase One grants, please download and complete the Expression of Interest form and return to Craig Holden by email: craig.holden@nhs.scot

Phase Two forms will be available soon.

Alternatively, for further information (including Phase Two forms), contact Craig Holden at the email address above.