Applying For Funding

Please read the following carefully BEFORE completing an application form. Our funds are limited so we are unable to consider applications from organisations whose location or areas of work fall outside our criteria.

Who We Fund

Local organisations and charities with an annual income of less than £500,000 who work exclusively for and with sight impaired people residing in our beneficial area.

We do not fund statutory bodies, e.g. local authorities or educational establishments.

We do not fund local branches of national organisations: however, in exceptional circumstances, funding may be made available to such local branches operating within the Trust’s beneficial area, if it is to be used solely to benefit sight impaired residents.

Where We Fund

The Trust’s beneficial area of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Teesside, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. This corresponds to the Royal Victoria School’s original catchment area, which was the origin of the Trust’s funding.

What We Fund

Projects and services that help people with sight loss, including related running costs
Creation of a new process or service (or improving an existing one), where your organisation has evidence to support what is required and why
Partnership work with other similar organisations on collaborative projects
Demonstration equipment to show service users
IT equipment to increase efficiency for staff when out working with service users

Exclusions:

Conditions Of Funding

The Trust awards grants from £1,000 to a maximum of £5,000
Applications must include the following supporting documentation (as appropriate): Constitution or governing document; quotes for equipment or services sought; current annual report and accounts; current bank statement
When awards are made for the purchase of equipment or services, proof of purchase is required within 3 months of the award being paid
A report must be submitted within 3 months of the award period, as evidence of what has been achieved with the Trust’s funding, and a proper audit trail should be maintained
We do not award further funding within 2 years of a successful award. However, unsuccessful applicants may re-apply for funding after 12 months
The Trust may contact applicants if further information or action is required to support their application

How does my organisation apply for funding?

The Trust meets four times per year, generally on the second Friday in January, April, July and October (AGM).

Completed application forms and all supporting documentation should be emailed (preferably) to secretary@rvtb.org.uk or posted to the Secretary at least 10 days prior to a meeting. Applications can be submitted earlier but will only be considered at the next Trust meeting.

Download an application form here.

Applications will only be considered if all sections of the form are completed and they are accompanied by the necessary supporting documentation.