Communities and charities with new ideas for tackling child poverty will be given the opportunity to bid for part of a new £7.5 million Innovation Fund.
Announced as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, the fund, financed by the SNP Government and the Hunter Foundation, is now open for applications from communities, local charities, health boards and councils.
A panel with membership from across the sector will judge the applications, which will support new or existing projects that will help reduce child poverty.
Communities Secretary Angela Constance MSP said:
“We want to ensure the very best outcomes for children today, and generations to come. As a government, we are taking bold action through our Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan and we need to work together to make a difference.
“If actions to tackle poverty are working well in some communities, they can be shared elsewhere so more children and families can benefit. Government can’t end child poverty on our own, so partnerships are vital to make change happen.”
Sir Tom Hunter, chairman of the Hunter Foundation added:
“This is about engaging with local communities and people who can make a real difference. The fund’s priority is to meet the needs of families and carers and up to £100,000 per organisation can make a real difference. It is time Scotland changed the dynamic on poverty and set about leading the world in its eradication.”
Commenting, Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“The Innovation Fund will support both new and the expansion of existing approaches that will have an impact on reducing child poverty by 2030 in a way that helps families to remain out of poverty for a minimum three-year period and are viable and sustainable for the public and third sectors. I am keen that any organisation in North Ayrshire that can make a difference applies.”
Applications can be made online by clicking here.
A scrutiny panel from across the public, private and third sector will provide advice on applications, members of the panel will include:
Jim McCormick (Joseph Rowntree Foundation)
Anna Fowlie (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations)
Sarah Gadsden (Improvement Service)
Gerry McLaughlin (NHS Scotland)
Fraser McKinlay (Audit Scotland)
Applications will close at midnight on 29 June 2018 with awards being made, subject to final diligence and shortlisted interviews/project visits, no later than 17 August 2018.
ENDS
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