[WiLT] EHRC Strategic Funding Programme - apply by 12th June 2009

[WiL Admin]

EHRC Strategic Funding Programme - apply by 12th June 2009

The Commission today announced a new £10.2 million Strategic Funding
Programme, providing three-year project-based funding of up to
£450,000 for community and voluntary sector organisations.

A first priority area will fund organisations providing guidance,
advice and advocacy services in areas including education, health and
employment, as well building capacity where there are gaps in local
provision, for example for women who have experienced violence.  A
second priority area will support increased co-operation between
groups - including ethnic or religious communities - in areas where
there are known tensions.

A third priority area is support for legal advice and awareness of
legal rights.  This will operate as a separate Programme which is
expected to launch in June.

The Commission is particularly keen to fund activity that directly
serves and involves individuals and local communities, that meets an
unmet need, and that has the potential to inspire and inform
longer-term activity that helps promote the Commission's objectives.

The new funding programme builds on the Commission's 2008-09 interim
programme, and is at the core of a soon to be launched three year
strategy which will set out the Commission's vision of a Britain built
on principles of fairness, equality and respect.

A series of local funding surgeries, providing information, advice and
guidance to those voluntary and community organisations that wish to
apply for the funding will be held across the nine English Regions,
Wales, Scotland and from 18 May - 3 June 2009.  The deadline for
applications for strategic funding is 5pm, June 12, 2009. Results from
the first tranche of applications will be announced towards the end of
July 2009.

The programme includes a simplified two stage application process to
reduce paperwork and bureaucracy and ensure that applications that don
't meet the Commission's criteria are identified at an early stage.
Improved monitoring will ensure value for money throughout the
lifetime of each funded project.

Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission,
said:

"In tough economic times, people who are on the sharp end of
discrimination and inequality are more in need of support than ever.
Community organisations that give people skills, support and access to
opportunity play a vital role in keeping communities together,
building the strong, prosperous and inclusive Britain we all want to
see.

"Through supporting this vital grass roots work, which is often
under-funded and under-appreciated, the Commission will make a daily,
tangible, and invaluable impression on the lives of thousands of
individuals."

Full details, as well as guidance notes and the outline proposal form
will be available in a full range of accessible formats at
www.equalityhumanrights.com/funding from 8 May.

Ends

Notes:

1. The Commission's five strategic priorities which inform the funding
priority areas are:

1. Securing and implementing an effective legislative and regulatory
framework for equality and human rights;
2. Ensuring a fairer Britain for all -  reducing the gap in outcomes
to secure fair life chances, access to services and dignified
treatment;
3. Building a society without prejudice: promoting good relations and
fostering a vibrant equality and human rights culture;
4. Promoting wider understanding and awareness of rights - delivering
timely and accurate advice and guidance to individuals, advisors and
employers alike;
5. Building an authoritative and responsive organisation.

2. The Equality and Human Right Commission is empowered to award
funding by virtue of Section 17 of the Equality Act 2006

3. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body
established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the
responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights
Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent advocate
for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce
inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations
between people, and promote and protect human rights.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce equality
legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief,
sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance
with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to
businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.

For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission
Media Office on 02031170251 / 02031170242, out of hours 07767272818.
Email: Oliver.Fry at equalityhumanrights.com.

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/newsandcomment/Pages/Commission-announces-£10-million-funding-programme-for-voluntary-and-community-sector.aspx

Apply for funding details
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/aboutus/grants/Pages/Applyingforagrant.aspx