Deadline: 26-May-2026
The True Colours Trust Small Grants Programme aims to strengthen palliative care services in Africa by supporting registered hospices and care providers. It focuses on practical, immediate interventions that improve comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families.
The programme aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of palliative care, emphasizing early identification, pain relief, and holistic support.
Funding Details
- Maximum grant amount: £5,000
- Project duration: Up to 12 months
- Budget allocation rule:
- At least 70% for primary priority areas
- Up to 30% for secondary supportive activities
- Funding type: Small grants for service delivery enhancement
Eligible Organisations
Applicants must:
- Be registered hospices or palliative care providers
- Be based and managed within Africa
- Have an average income below $500,000 over the past 3 years
- Not currently be receiving funding from True Colours Trust
- Wait 1 year after final reporting before reapplying (if previously funded)
Additional eligibility:
- Small palliative care units within larger institutions may apply
- Funding must be used exclusively for palliative care services
Priority Funding Areas
The programme prioritizes:
- Palliative care medicines (WHO and IAHPC approved lists)
- Medical equipment for palliative care
- Transport for service delivery (fuel, bicycles, etc.)
- Mobile and digital health technologies for remote care
- Bereavement and grief support services
- Training for healthcare providers and caregivers
Secondary Support Areas
Additional support may include:
- Food assistance for patients and families
- Home-based care support costs
- Psychosocial and spiritual care services
- Rehabilitation services
- Limited core operational costs
These must directly support and complement primary care activities.
Target Beneficiaries
The programme places special emphasis on:
- Children requiring palliative care
- People with disabilities
- Refugees and displaced populations
- Older persons
- Prison populations
- Patients receiving care regardless of diagnosis
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve access to essential palliative care services
- Strengthen pain management and symptom control
- Enhance home-based and community care systems
- Build capacity of healthcare workers and caregivers
- Improve availability of medicines and equipment
- Support dignity and quality of life for patients and families
Programme Approach
The grant supports:
- Patient-centered care delivery
- Community-based palliative care systems
- Practical, low-cost interventions with high impact
- Strengthening of frontline service providers
- Integration of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual care
Funding Conditions
Applicants must ensure:
- Majority of funds (70%) are used for direct service delivery
- Secondary activities remain supportive and limited (30%)
- Clear alignment with palliative care priorities
- Transparent and accountable financial management
- Focus on immediate patient impact
Why This Programme Matters
The True Colours Trust Small Grants Programme is important because it:
- Expands access to essential palliative care in underserved regions
- Improves quality of life for patients with serious illnesses
- Supports vulnerable and marginalized populations
- Strengthens local healthcare systems and providers
- Ensures availability of essential medicines and equipment
- Promotes dignity, comfort, and holistic care
Conclusion
The True Colours Trust Small Grants Programme provides targeted funding to strengthen palliative care services across Africa. By supporting essential medicines, equipment, training, and community-based care, the programme enhances the ability of local providers to deliver compassionate and effective care to people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
For more information, visit The True Colours Trust.