£150k grants scheme opens

Vital Signs came about after the foundation carried out in depth social and economic research to identify which areas need urgent support in Calderdale.

The results showed that housing and homelessness, stronger communities, tackling deprivation and isolation as key areas.

Emma Woods-Bolger, from the Community Foundation for Calderdale, said: “The foundation is now in its 25th year of grant making, making this year a poignant time to assess our grant making and impact.

“Our Vital Signs research enabled us to uncover the area’s key areas to improving the lives of people in Calderdale.

“We discovered a hidden homeless problem, with an increase in the official figures over the last few years.

“Even more worryingly three local homelessness charities reported supporting more than 280 people in one year.

“One reported a waiting list of more than 100 people.

“We discovered that there are at least 16,000 pensioners living in fuel poverty in Calderdale, with more than 100 older people not making it through winter, and more than 10,000 children in Calderdale living in poverty.”

The funding of £20,000 per year for three years, for each of the Vital Signs themes identified, is available now.

The foundation website has more information on how to apply - it’s hoped that the grants will help to develop project ideas which will make a lasting, positive impact in the priority areas highlighted by the charity’s research.

If you would like to donate to the Vital Signs fund as a business or individual, please contact 01422 349700 and ask for Emma.

For more information about the grants programme and how to apply for funding visit www.cffc.co.uk/portfolio/vital-signs-funding.