Opportunities for Volunteering grants
We are one of the seventeen specialist National Voluntary Organisations who are involved in delivering the Opportunities for Volunteering (OFV) Scheme.
The overall aim of the scheme is:
- To improve the health of the people in England.
- To secure provision of high quality health and social care for those who need it.
The particular focus of the grant scheme is to provide opportunities for the unemployed people to undertake voluntary work. Overall, the DH looks to around 59% of volunteers involved in the OFV grants programme to be either young (up to and including the age of 25) and/or employed.
Our priorities
As an OFV National Agent, our projects must have the following priorities:
- To act as an inspiration in the health and social care sector across the UK.
- To prepare the way for other projects that broaden volunteers' contributions to heath and social care.
- To attract new members from local communities to volunteering within health and social care
- To support volunteering in Acute Trusts and Primary Care Trusts.
Criteria to be met
All projects must comply with the department of health, Opportunities for volunteering scheme General Notes of guidance, which are available from the National Office. Additionally your group must be a member of us to receive a grant. Previous OFV funding may not preclude future funding. However, new projects will be given priority.
How much can be applied for
The maximum grant we provide is £35,000 per annum, although it is unusual for more than £20,000 to be awarded. Over the period of a grant, up to £20,000 can be used for capital purposes. Within this overall limit of £20,000 there are limits of:
- £7,000 towards the cost of a vehicle
- £11,000 for materials used in the renovation of premises.
Opportunities for Volunteering 2009-10
We would like to confirm that we will be advertising an OFV grant scheme for 2009-10 shortly. Information on how to apply including the funding priorities, criteria for assessment and terms & conditions will be available later in the year. At this stage in the process we are unable to confirm the date we will be open for applications. We would advise you to check this website or www.volunteeringengland.org.uk regularly for updates.