Funding for older people in the Balance

The Balance Foundation was established in December 2003 as a registered charity to work in partnership with UK financial institutions to release unclaimed assets and transfer these funds to charitable causes. It is a private institution, independent of government.

The second round of the Older People Programme is open to applications from registered charities in the UK working with older people over 75 at risk of social exclusion.

Programme criteria include:

• Innovative solutions, including housing, which enable older people themselves to retain a quality of life
• Supportive approaches at the end-of-life which are valued by older people and their relatives
• Approaches to improving communication between carers, older people and local support services
• The promotion of positive mental health
• The provision of financial information and advice

Applications are eligible from registered charities working in the UK.

Grants will normally be from £20,000 to £80,000 with grant payments phased over up to three years.

The closing date for stage one outline applications is Thursday, 20 April 2006. Grant awards will be made at the end of the year.