Grants to Support Women and Children Affected by Domestic Violence (UK)

The Ellie Trust grant programme funds charities in Merseyside that support women and children affected by domestic violence. It provides flexible funding for both projects and core costs, with awards tailored to organisational needs. The programme prioritises frontline services addressing wellbeing and the impact of rising living costs.

Overview

The The Ellie Trust grant programme supports organisations working to protect and improve the physical and mental health of women and children impacted by domestic abuse in Merseyside.

The initiative is delivered in collaboration with LCVS and local voluntary sector partners to strengthen frontline services.

Key Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Support victims of domestic violence and abuse
• Improve physical and mental wellbeing
• Strengthen voluntary sector service delivery
• Address the impact of the cost-of-living crisis
• Ensure funding reaches the most vulnerable groups

Funding Details

• Grant duration: 12 months
• Funding size: No fixed minimum or maximum
• Allocation: Based on organisational size, capacity, and needs

What the Funding Covers

• Staff salaries (especially experienced personnel)
• Equipment and operational costs
• Organisational overheads
• Volunteer expenses and training

Special Provision

• Grassroots charities (under £50,000 turnover) may receive unrestricted funding

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be registered charities (not exempt charities)
• Be based in Merseyside (UK)
• Have an annual income of £500,000 or below
• Specialise in domestic abuse support for women and children

Key Requirement

• Clearly demonstrate identified need and direct impact on beneficiaries

Who Is Not Eligible?

• Organisations supporting perpetrators of domestic abuse
• Charities that do not meet updated eligibility criteria

Types of Projects Supported

The programme supports:

• New initiatives addressing domestic abuse
• Existing services requiring sustainability funding
• Core operational and service delivery activities

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is important because it:

• Supports vulnerable women and children
• Sustains critical frontline services
• Helps organisations manage financial pressures
• Strengthens community-based support systems
• Improves long-term wellbeing outcomes

How to Apply / Application Process

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation meets location, income, and focus criteria.

Step 2: Identify Need
Clearly define the problem your project addresses.

Step 3: Prepare Application
Include:

• Project or operational plan
• Budget and funding request
• Evidence of need and impact

Step 4: Submit Application
Apply through the official programme channel.

Step 5: Assessment
Applications are reviewed based on relevance, need, and impact.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Alignment with programme priorities
• Demonstrated need
• Impact on women and children
• Organisational capacity
• Value for money

Expected Outcomes

• Improved wellbeing for women and children
• Sustained domestic abuse support services
• Increased access to essential services
• Stronger community resilience

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not clearly demonstrating beneficiary need
• Weak or unclear budget justification
• Lack of focus on women and children
• Applying despite ineligibility
• Missing updated eligibility requirements

Tips for a Strong Application

• Provide clear evidence of need
• Show direct and measurable impact
• Present a realistic and detailed budget
• Highlight your organisation’s experience
• Align closely with programme priorities

FAQs

Who can apply for this grant?
Registered charities in Merseyside supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Is there a fixed grant amount?
No, funding is flexible and based on organisational needs.

Can funding be used for salaries?
Yes, including staff salaries and operational costs.

Are small charities supported?
Yes, grassroots organisations may receive unrestricted funding.

What is the funding duration?
12 months.

Can previously funded organisations apply again?
Yes, but they must meet updated eligibility criteria.

Are organisations working with perpetrators eligible?
No, they are not eligible for funding.

Conclusion

The The Ellie Trust grant programme provides essential support to charities addressing domestic abuse in Merseyside. By offering flexible funding for both projects and core costs, it plays a vital role in sustaining services and improving the lives of vulnerable women and children.