Expressions of Interest are invited from local organisations which support the wellbeing of children and young people to become beneficiary charities of the Richmond Voluntary Fund in 2024.

The Trustees of the Richmond Voluntary Fund are inviting expressions of interest from voluntary and community organisations to be the chosen beneficiaries of the 2024 Charity Appeal for the Richmond Voluntary Fund.

The Richmond Voluntary Fund is a charitable trust established in 2019 to receive donations from local people to support initiatives that make a real and lasting difference to the lives of people living in Richmond upon Thames.

Last year the appeal focused on support for young carers, and local residents donated over £60,000 towards Crossroads Care Richmond & Kingston, River Thames Boat Project and Richmond Carers Centre.

This year, children’s wellbeing and programmes that support children and young people to have positive life experiences is the central funding priority. This encompasses how they feel about their quality of life and life satisfaction and could include the absence of ill health, ability to meet personal, social, and educational goals and the experience of positive emotions.

Expressions of interest can be submitted for new and existing programmes of work, and previously funded organisations are also eligible to submit.

Grants are awarded following the annual appeal and, based on previous levels of donations, it is unlikely that more than three organisations will be supported.

There are seven priority areas which will be considered for funding, as follows:

• projects that provide enhanced holiday activities for children and young people with disabilities, including hidden disabilities, lifelong conditions and other high need groups
• projects which provide activities and services to support the wellbeing of children and young
  people with Special Needs and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• projects which provide nutrition and cookery classes for families at risk of food insecurity or those leaving care
• projects which support children and young people’s wellbeing by providing early intervention mental health support, particularly around depression and anxiety
• projects which provide activities and services that support body positivity in children and young people, especially girls
• projects which provide support and advice to young people on issues surrounding sexual health, drug/alcohol abuse and smoking/vaping
• projects which support children that have suffered bereavement or who require wellbeing support as a result of a parent, carer or sibling who has a life-limiting illness.

To apply, organisations must be registered charities with a minimum turnover of £25,000 and have at least one year’s full set of audited accounts. They must also be able to start their project from July 2024 and be able to use the funding within one year of project start date.

Projects can only be funded that benefit residents of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and they should demonstrate an established local presence and proven impact.

For full eligibility details and the expression of interest application form, visit Richmond Council’s Richmond upon Thames Voluntary Fund webpage.

Richmond CVS may be able to offer support or advice to applicants. Organisations seeking help can enquire by emailing action@richmondcvs.org.uk.

The closing date for Expressions of Interest is 12 midnight on 19 January 2024.