DM Thomas Foundation for Young People seeking Applications for Central Grants Programme 2020 (Ireland and UK)

Deadline extended till 22 July 2020

The DM Thomas Foundation is seeking proposals for its Central Grants Programme in order to identify the most effective projects helping disadvantaged young people in the UK and Ireland.

The Foundation makes grants to charities that meet one of the two chosen areas of focus which are:

Improving the education of young people: The Foundation is investing in the future by supporting young people in the vital areas of education, awareness and training. Through targeted grant giving the Foundation aims to facilitate a better future for young people by supporting local charities. Education funding generally will be given for training/re-training, educational equipment, activity-based learning leading to accreditation and sports equipment.
Improving the health of young people: The Foundation is committed to relieving suffering and supporting young people whilst they are undergoing treatment and care. Health funding generally will be given for medical equipment, care facilities, activity based holidays, proactive health awareness campaigns and hospices.

Central grants are made by the Foundation from the general funds, which are collected through voluntary events, campaigns and donations. Applications from registered charities (and CICs) in England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland may be submitted directly to the Foundation on a quarterly basis.

With its limited Central Funds, the Foundation has a particular focus on supporting these target groups:

Children and young people with disabilities
Children and young people who are sick in hospital
Children and young people who are life limited (requiring palliative care)
Children and young people who are disadvantaged and have mental health issues

Funding Information

If favored, grant applications for up to £5,000 can be approved by the Director, up to £10,000 can be approved by the Grants Committee, and applications for more than £10,000 are recommended to the Trustees for final approval.
The Foundation is a small charity and generally will not make awards of over £30,000 (per year).
Funding can be requested for up to 2 years for any particular project.

Foundation supports via the Central grants program

Registered Charities (and CiCs)
Work with young people most in need under DMTFYP’s four core target groups
Disadvantaged young people
Specific projects, such as refurbishment and equipment
Training courses and activities
One-off or medium terms projects for up to £30,000 per annum
Projects which show community involvement, efficiency and impact
Faith Groups
Schools and hospitals

Foundation will not support via the Central grants program

Applicants whose projects do not fit one of DMTFYP’s four target groups: disabled children, children in hospital, life-limited (terminally ill) children or children disadvantaged by mental health.
Organisations which are not registered charities or CICs
Charities which have:
- been registered for less than 12 months
- present financial information which is incomplete or out of date
- management and administration costs (including fundraising costs) above 30% of their annual expenditure
Projects and organisations outside the UK or Ireland
Funding requests over £30,000 pa for up to 2 years (£60,000 total)
Requests solely for day-to-day administrative running costs (rent, lighting, heat, etc.)
Requests solely for staff salaries or other staff costs
Where outcomes are unclear or where the grant will not make an impact
Requests by individuals, general donations
Fundraising events or other fundraising costs
Work with adults over the age of 25
Medical research, individual medical treatment
Capital appeals to a general fund or construction of new buildings
Overseas expeditions or exchange program
Training or conferences for professionals or staff, e.g. teacher training, parenting training
Loans
Work which excludes some faith groups
Work with only boys or only girls
Generally the Foundation will not fund applicants with an income above £2 million (except hospices), to reflect the own size. Charities larger than this may still apply, but please note preference may be given to applications from smaller charities.