The Endowment Fund, which is the official charity of NHS Grampian, launched its funding programme in 2020 to encourage community-based health and wellbeing initiatives across the North-east. The programme provides grants of up to £10,000 to local charities and community organisations to help them develop projects which improve access to health provision, enhance healthcare experiences, and empower individuals to better manage their own health. Applications for community-based initiatives which seek to address health inequalities are particularly welcome.
Lisa Duthie, Charity Lead of NHS Grampian Endowment Fund, says: “Following the success of the Community Grants Programme over the last two years, we are delighted to once again open to applications from local organisations. The health and wellbeing of people across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray is at the heart of what we do, and we are fortunate to have such a diverse range of charities and community organisations across the region who are working towards the same goal.
“In previous years we have funded projects which have supported people of all ages and backgrounds including people facing mental health challenges, people with chronic medical conditions, people with disabilities, carers, families, and many more.
“In 2023 we look to build on previous years and fund a variety of projects to support as many people as possible in our community.”
Local charity Inspire, which supports adults with learning disabilities, received a grant through the programme in 2022. Andrew Reid, Development Manager at Inspire, says: “The grant from NHS Grampian Endowment Fund was crucial in enabling us to initially re-establish, then further develop, our face-to-face activity sessions for the people we support as restrictions eased and society began to open up again post Coronavirus-pandemic.
“To date, the sessions we have been able to offer include trampolining, pizza and movie nights, visits from magicians and therapy owls, trips to various local places of interest and a Summer Party at Balmedie Beach.
“The difference that these events have made to the lives of the people we support has been huge and we have seen individuals physical and mental wellbeing improve as they have been able to start socialising with their peers again after what has been a couple of very challenging years.”
Since the launch of the Community Grants Programme in 2020, NHS Grampian Endowment Fund has awarded grants totalling more than £520,000 to more than 70 local projects.
To find more details about the Community Grants Programme and how to apply for funding, please visit acvo.org.uk/funds/community-grants-programme.
For further information, please visit www.nhsgcharities.co.uk or contact gram.charities@nhs.scot
