The new £1 million fund is set to help third sector organisations run projects that will improve the lives of unpaid carers.
Applications for grants of £50,000 and more from the Carers Social Action Support Fund will be accepted until 22 October.
A statement on the Cabinet Office website said the fund was for voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations, public bodies or private businesses “to expand or develop ambitious social action projects that will help to improve the lives of carers”.
Applicants should have:
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a strong track record of helping carers
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enthusiasm for measuring the impact of their service
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the capacity to quickly build on existing services.
Projects must be based in England, should reach a minimum of 50 adults caring for adults and should have volunteers as core to the delivery of the service.
Moira Fraser, Interim Chief Executive Officer for Carers Trust said: “This is good news and recognises the value of the millions of people caring for their family and friends. More support for carers is vital. In addition to today’s announcement, extra funding for social care is needed so that all carers have access to high quality support.”
Brooks Newmark, Minister for Civil Society said: “There are 5.4 million carers in England and one in three of us will become a carer at some point in our lives. The new Carers Social Action Support Fund will enable organisations to harness the power of social action to support people who carry out this incredibly important role.
“I urge relevant organisations looking to build on, or adapt, inspiring social action projects for carers to apply.”
The first grant payments will be made in December and the grant should be spent in full by October 2015, according to the fund’s application form.
Read the guidance notes available on the GOV.UK and send your completed application for to satcorrespondence@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk by midday on 22 October 2014.
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