Safeguarding Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grants 2016-18

Please note that this is a grant opportunity.

Through the Safeguarding VCS Grant Programme we want to help develop and further our strategic aims to safeguard and protect children. We are making available up to a maximum of £2.25 million in safeguarding grant funding to VCS organisations for an 18-month period (October 2016- March 2018) to help deliver on three safeguarding priorities: - Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); - Radicalisation; and - Domestic abuse, drugs and alcohol misuse.

A number of grants will be awarded in each of these three priority areas. VCS organisations may submit bids related to one or more safeguarding priority. A separate application form must be completed for each priority area.

The exact number and size of individual grants will depend on the range and quality of bids received. There is no specific minimum or maximum amount of grant award. As an indicative guide for bidders, and reflecting the national focus of this grant opportunity, we would expect grant awards to be in the region of £100,000 to £250,000 for each financial year, apportioned accordingly.

We are targeting these forms of abuse to help address gaps in the market; provide support to service delivery given increased prevalence; or to further support or embed Government reforms. The successful bidders will deliver activities in support of one or more of the above safeguarding priorities. The projects that we fund will aim to safeguard children from these forms of abuse through supporting prevention, raising awareness and providing advice, support and guidance.

Applications will be assessed and prioritised according to the extent to which they meet the assessment criteria described in the application form.

Any questions related to points of clarification, or process must be submitted by noon 14 July to: Enquiries.SAFEGUARDING@education.gsi.gov.uk

The grant period will be for 18 months - 1 October 2016 - 31 March 2018. There is potential to extend for a further six months (April 2018 to October 2018) - subject to funding being available.

The value of the grants will be between £100,000 - £250,000 pa (pro-rated for 2016-17) per grant award.

Timetable

Invitation to bid published 7 July Deadline for bids Noon Friday 29 July Successful bidders notified of results 16 September Due diligence From early September Safeguarding grants awarded and grant funding agreements finalised 30 September

Additional information: When submitting your final application, please include the following: • Application form and the declaration form • All financial documents as specified in the application form

Please send your documents in an email; alternatively, you can use the submit button on the application form.

A model grant funding agreement letter, model grant funding agreement terms and conditions and grant funding agreement explanatory notes are also provided for information.

E-mail for queries: Enquiries.SAFEGUARDING@education.gsi.gov.uk

Email for application forms to be sent: Safeguarding.VCS@education.gsi.gov.uk