• Tag: Funding

    Midlothian Charities Call on UK Government to Reimburse NI Increases

    Ellis on 14 November, 2024

    Midlothian Third Sector Interface published the following press release this week:

    Midlothian charities are calling on the UK Government to ensure that support is provided to cover costs brought on by the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs).

    Recent announcements from the UK Budget have raised extreme concern over the impact on charities and community groups across Midlothian. The increase in employer’s NICs from 13.8% to 15% is a further financial burden coming at a time when many organisations are already teetering on the edge of financial crisis. Without support from the UK Government to mitigate the impact of these increases, there is significant threat of redundancies and service closures across the voluntary sector.

    For charities in Midlothian, the impact is already being felt. One Midlothian charity explained,

    “It will cost us close to £100,000 extra per year in increases to NI contributions and the real living wage.”

    Another local charity echoed this concern,

    “The increase in national insurance contributions alone will cost us over £10,000 annually. We are already struggling to meet growing demand for our services.”

    Charities in Midlothian do not operate in isolation; they complement and support public services, from mental health support and social care to youth services and food banks. The loss of these vital third sector services will not only be detrimental to the communities they serve but also to the public sector, which will be further strained, leaving people with nowhere to go.

    These announcements come on top of Midlothian Council’s recent savings proposal consultation, which outlines potential cuts and reductions to public services across the county as the council seeks to lessen its budget shortfalls.

    Unlike the public sector, which has been assured support to offset NIC increases, the voluntary sector has yet to receive any such commitment. We are calling on the UK Government to extend this support to employers in the third sector.

    Volunteer Midlothian’s volunteer-led Conversation Café project.

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    Third Sector Forum: Discussing local & national budget

    Ellis on 25 October, 2024

    MVA is hosting a Third Sector Forum to explore the wider budget picture (Midlothian Council, Scottish Government & UK Government). We will discuss the impact of the UK budget, the Midlothian Council consultation, and the potential to influence the Scottish Government as they make decisions around their upcoming budget.

    This meeting is restricted to third sector organisations in Midlothian. Sign-up here.

    This meeting will be hybrid: In-person at the MVA offices (4-6 White Hart Street, Dalkeith) and also online via Teams. Please select the relevant ticket option at checkout.

    If you have any questions or access requirements please email us at: info@mvacvs.org.uk

    The Third Sector Forum is a meeting of third sector organisations in Midlothian, regularly convened by MVA. The aim is to share important information, discuss issues affecting the sector, and formulate a shared voice for the sector within the community planning process.

    In-Person Fund Surgery – Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund

    Ellis on 2 September, 2024

    Join us for an open information session on the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund. This is your chance to ask questions and perfect your application.

    • Wednesday 25 September, 10:00 – 16:00 (no registration necessary).

    We’re also holding online fund surgeries on Monday 24 September & Tuesday 25 September, which you can register for here.

    The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults aims to support community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing and/or mitigate and protect against the impact of distress and mental ill health within the adult population (aged 16 or over), with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention. This fund has a strong emphasis on collaboration, partnerships, capacity building and the development of creative projects that can work at a very grassroots level, together with local people.

    See more details, application guidance and forms here.

    Online Fund Surgery – Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund

    Ellis on 2 September, 2024

    Join us for an open information session on the CMHW Fund. This is your chance to ask questions and perfect your application.

    Register on Eventbrite:

    We are also holding an in-person drop-in on Wednesday 25 September, 10:00 – 16:00 in our office (no registration necessary).

    The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults aims to support community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing and/or mitigate and protect against the impact of distress and mental ill health within the adult population (aged 16 or over), with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention. This fund has a strong emphasis on collaboration, partnerships, capacity building and the development of creative projects that can work at a very grassroots level, together with local people.

    See more details, application guidance and forms here.

    Funding Workshop: Climate & Environment Funding Opportunities

    Ellis on 27 August, 2024

    RESCHEDULED: TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 18:30

    This workshop will now take place on Tuesday 24 September 18:30. Existing registrations are still valid.

    Join us for an online workshop on community-led climate action funding providers and find out what goes into writing a successful bid.

    This workshop is in collaboration with the Midlothian Climate Action Network.

    In the session, we aim to identify the main funding providers in relation to community-led climate action and/or environmental projects. We’ll also provide advice on what constitutes a good funding application and hopefully be able answer any questions you may have.

    This funding workshop will take place on Teams, a link to join the meeting will be sent out to after registering.

    Register on Eventbrite

    Any questions? Contact hub@midlothianclimateaction.org.uk

     

     

    £247k Fund Launching for Midlothian Community Groups

    Ellis on 26 August, 2024

    A bright yellow sunflower contrasted against a pale blue sky.

    We are excited to announce that Year 4 of the Midlothian Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults launches on Monday 9 September 2024. We will distribute a total of £247,983.21 to local third sector organisations and community groups by the end of March 2025.

    Fund Purpose and Objectives

    This fund, highly valued and eagerly anticipated, aims to support people’s mental health and wellbeing while offering opportunities for community connections. It focuses on funding activities that address mental health challenges early or prevent the deterioration of wellbeing. Midlothian Third Sector Interface has been appointed by the Scottish Government to distribute the funding locally. The fund emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and supporting grassroots community groups in tackling mental health inequalities. Organisations are encouraged to work together, and the fund’s processes are designed to be easy to understand and accessible. We seek to fund group projects that promote good mental health, foster meaningful and supportive connections within communities, and help individuals find a sense of purpose.

    History and Evolution of the Fund

    The fund was initially established to respond to the mental health effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Year 2, the fund expanded its scope to address the cost-of-living crisis. Year 3 continued to emphasize the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing through tough times, particularly for those living in poverty or experiencing work-related distress.

    Year 4 Focus and Objectives

    In year 4, the grant will continue to support community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing. It also aims to mitigate and protect against the impact of distress, anxieties, diagnosed mental ill health, and neurodiversity within the adult population. The fund is particularly focused on addressing social isolation and loneliness, as well as preventing suicides.

    Grant Streams in Year 4

    Year 4 will continue the existing distribution model, dividing the fund across three separate grant streams:

    • Microgrants: Up to £2,000 (min £500)
    • Small Grants: Up to £10,000
    • Larger Grants: Up to £30,000

    To complement these grant streams, up to £5,000 per organisation will also be available for capital spending. Both new projects and existing ones that demonstrate impact and progress are encouraged to apply.

    Oversight and Community Involvement

    The model used in Midlothian has been replicated across Scotland over the last three years. Every Third Sector Interface (TSI) and voluntary group in the country has been involved in raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing through community-based activities.

    In Midlothian, the fund is overseen by a team of staff and volunteers from the TSI, Midlothian Council, Health in Mind, NHS Lothian, and Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership. Like the previous years, the year 4 funding—informally called “the Sunflower Fund”—emphasizes collaboration, partnerships, capacity building, and the development of creative projects that operate at a grassroots level.

    In year 4, people with lived experience are again involved in the fund’s administration and decision-making processes. The Detailed Fund Guideline outlines various aspects of the fund, continuing the year 3 theme of building on existing collaborations while empowering new ones.

    A Message from Our Chief Officer

    “We are delighted to have been given this money again to support local organisations in such difficult times of austerity and scarce funding streams. We strongly believe in community strength and spirit to support each other, learn from each other, and connect. Throughout the years, we have seen evidence of good partnership working, and we will encourage this yet again this year to leave a lasting impact and pave the paths for future collaborations.
    We know that Midlothian’s communities are committed to supporting good mental health and wellbeing, whether this is through specialist trauma-informed practices, walking and talking, or simply a cup of tea and a blether. I believe the Fund will enable more people to make social connections and access opportunities that promote good mental health, prevent worsening of wellbeing, and empower people to overcome mental health challenges.”

    Dr Lesley Kelly

    Chief Officer, Midlothian Third Sector Interface
    Visit the Fund Webpage
    Contact Us

    Third Sector Funding: Have Your Say

    Ellis on 30 July, 2024

    MVA are hosting an online session on Tuesday 13 August, 14:00-15:00 to discuss the Social Justice and Social Security Committee’s third sector funding principles consultation.

    This is our opportunity to tell the Scottish Government how they can improve their funding to make it fair, flexible, sustainable, and accessible to ensure that third sector organisations can keep providing the services and projects that are crucial to communities across Scotland.

    Register on Eventbrite
    View the Consultation

    In this session, we’ll dive into key questions and gather feedback to create a combined response to the consultation. We also encourage everyone to submit their own response before the deadline on August 16.

    What is the Aim of the Consultation?

    The Social Justice and Social Security Committee seeks to address the significant challenges faced by the third sector, including recovery from the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, years of underfunding, and poor funding practices. The Committee want to hear from both funded and funding organisations, to understand what can be done now to make the public funding process more efficient and sustainable. By submitting our views on the Scottish Government’s approach to funding, we can help champion the need for Fair Funding.

    When Does It Close?

    The consultation closes on Friday 16 August. Make sure to share your feedback before the deadline to ensure your voice is heard.

    What Do We Mean by Fair Funding?

    Fair Funding, as defined by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), is a funding landscape that is fair, flexible, sustainable, and accessible. This includes longer-term funding models, accessible and consistent processes, and more unrestricted funding with in-built uplifts.

    SCVO has divided their Fair Funding calls into four distinct definitions – multi-year funding, sustainable funding, flexible funding, and accessible funding. Read more on their website.

    Consultation Background

    For almost a decade, the Scottish Government has acknowledged the need for multi-year funding. In April 2023, the policy prospectus ‘New leadership – A fresh start’ committed to achieving fairer funding by 2026. Despite this, little progress has been made, highlighting the need for this consultation.

    What Are the Questions?

    The consultation includes specific questions for third sector organisations, covering five key topics. These will be discussed in our online session:

    Longer-Term Funding Impact:

    • How would a shift to longer-term funding of three years or more support your organisation?
    • What specific challenges do you foresee in transitioning to such a funding model?
    • If relevant, please provide any specific examples of how your organisation has been affected by a lack of longer-term funding certainty.

    Flexibility and Core Funding Needs:

    • In what ways would flexible, unrestricted core funding enhance your organisation’s operational effectiveness and governance?
    • What specific challenges do you foresee in transitioning to such a funding model?
    • If relevant, please provide any specific examples of how your operational effectiveness and governance have been affected by a lack of flexibility in your core funding.

    Sustainable Funding and Inflation Adjustments:

    • How critical are inflation-based uplifts and full cost covering, including core operating costs, to the sustainability of your organisation?
    • What impacts have you observed or anticipate without these adjustments in your funding?
    • If relevant, please provide any specific examples of how your organisation’s sustainability has been affected by a lack of inflation uplifts and/or full cost covering.

    Real Living Wage Commitments:

    • What challenges does your organisation face in ensuring all staff are paid at least the Real Living Wage?
    • How would improved funding arrangements support your organisation to meet this commitment?

    Efficiency in Funding Processes:

    • What improvements in the application, reporting, and payment processes could make the funding system more efficient for your organisation?

    More Information

    Read more about the consultation here.

    Read SCVO’s blog here.

    Register for our online session here.

    Let’s make fair funding a reality for Scotland’s #EssentialSector

    Tyne & Esk Fund Online Surgeries

    Ellis on 3 May, 2024

    We are hosting online surgeries about the Tyne & Esk Rural Communities Development Fund throughout May. These sessions will be delivered by Jayne Adamson, Project Officer for the Tyne-Esk Local Action Group, who is happy to answer any questions you have about the fund.

    You can register for the sessions on Eventbrite:

     

    Please feel free to invite your colleagues along too – spaces are not limited for this session.

    About the fund

    The Tyne & Esk Rural Communities Development Fund forms part of the Scottish Government’s Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Rural Programme. It involves bottom-up decision making delivered by representatives from the local area – the Local Action Group (LAG).

    The overarching aim of the funding is to increase support to local rural communities, individuals and businesses advancing inclusion, equality and diversity.

    Tyne & Esk area funding covers all communities in East Lothian and Midlothian including Dalkeith Country Park, except for the urban centres of Musselburgh and Dalkeith.

    Applications for the fund close at midnight on June 3 2024.

    Find out more about Tyne & Esk CLLD here:

    https://www.tyneesk.co.uk/

    National Lottery Funding – Briefing Blog

    Ellis on 18 April, 2024

    MVA recently held a National Lottery Funding Briefing to provide third sector organisations with an update on some changes the National Lottery are making to their funding streams.

    Community Led, Improving Lives, and Cost of Living Support Scotland will close on the 21st August 2024. Applications will still be accepted until that date and assessed as usual. For further details you can contact your NL Funding Officer.

    New streams of funding will come online at the end of the year, but no date has been confirmed yet. They will likely fall around these four priority areas.

    Supporting communities to:

    • Come together
    • Be environmentally sustainable
    • Help children and young people access resources and experiences that help them thrive
    • Enable people to live healthier lives

    National Lottery Awards for All, Young Start and Scottish Land Fund will remain open to applications with no closing dates.

    Please do contact MVA if you would like support in applying to any of these funds before they close. The Development Team would be more than happy to review applications or provide advice about other potential sources of funding. See more about the support we can provide here.

    Contact us at info@mvacvs.org.uk or call our office, Monday – Thursday, on 0131 663 9471.

    Slides from this briefing can be viewed here:

    National-Lottery-Presentation-Apr-24Download