Application Guidance
Summer 2024
Summer 2024
The focus of our grant-making is to fund the delivery of activities which improves people's ability to become more financially capable in their present and future circumstances.
The focus of our grant-making is to fund the delivery of activities which improves people's ability to become more financially capable in their present and future circumstances.
We have adopted a two-stage application process, in a bid to save prospective applicants time and resource and for the Charity receiving inappropriate applications.
We have adopted a two-stage application process, in a bid to save prospective applicants time and resource and for the Charity receiving inappropriate applications.
Pre-application - Eligibility Quiz - check your organisation meets our general grant making criteria by completing our online quiz. Completing the quiz is the best way to discover whether or not we could potentially fund your organisation. More details can be found by looking at our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Pre-application - Eligibility Quiz - check your organisation meets our general grant making criteria by completing our online quiz. Completing the quiz is the best way to discover whether or not we could potentially fund your organisation. More details can be found by looking at our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Stage 1 - Outline Proposal - this is a brief form that enables you to tell us about your organisation and proposed financial capability project. See guidance below.
Stage 1 - Outline Proposal - this is a brief form that enables you to tell us about your organisation and proposed financial capability project. See guidance below.
Stage 2 - Full Application - once the Grants Panel have considered your outline proposal, invited short-listed applicants will be required to complete a full application form. This will require more detailed information to be provided, about your organisation; the project - evidence of need, the activities; the team's experience; the outcomes you are hoping to achieve; a detailed project budget; two professional referees, and submission of supporting documents - your latest Accounts and a recent bank statement.
Stage 2 - Full Application - once the Grants Panel have considered your outline proposal, invited short-listed applicants will be required to complete a full application form. This will require more detailed information to be provided, about your organisation; the project - evidence of need, the activities; the team's experience; the outcomes you are hoping to achieve; a detailed project budget; two professional referees, and submission of supporting documents - your latest Accounts and a recent bank statement.
Key dates and milestones for the Summer 2024 grant round
Key dates and milestones for the Summer 2024 grant round
Stage 1 - Closed at noon 12 July 2024
Stage 1 - Closed at noon 12 July 2024
Stage 1 - Outline Proposal
Stage 1 - Outline Proposal
Access to the online form is dependent on your organisation completing successfully the Eligibility Quiz.
Access to the online form is dependent on your organisation completing successfully the Eligibility Quiz.
As a specialist activity based-funder, how your proposed project supports our charity's vision is really important.
As a specialist activity based-funder, how your proposed project supports our charity's vision is really important.
Just as a reminder, The MSE Charity's vision is "to give grants to non profit organisations to deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money".
Just as a reminder, The MSE Charity's vision is "to give grants to non profit organisations to deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money".
Please review some current and recent projects that we have funded to give you an idea of the different type of activities we are able to fund.
Please review some current and recent projects that we have funded to give you an idea of the different type of activities we are able to fund.
Examples of activities we could fund:
Examples of activities we could fund:
- Money management workshops - understanding the basics, how money works in the UK, online banking, staying financially safe, household budgeting, how to generate and supplement low incomes.
- Training volunteers to deliver workshops or to provide peer-support to others.
- Upskilling existing staff to access financial capability training to support their clients directly.
- Provide access to financial inclusion activities for people who are disadvantaged in anyway such as by age, disability, ethnicity or gender.
Examples of activities we can't fund:
Examples of activities we can't fund:
- Debt Advice -if more than 75% of the project costs you require are for this activity
- Welfare Benefits and Income Maximisation advice - if more than 75% of the project costs you require are for this activity
- Job readiness skills - if more than 75% of the project costs you require are for this activity
- Animal care / therapy projects
- General Counselling / mental wellbeing type projects
- Day-centre activities not focused on financial capability skills
- Projects based outside of the UK
- Hardship or emergency cash funds
- Contributions to building funds or other capital costs
- Professional eg. accountancy or business enterprise courses or training
Grant Budget Request
Grant Budget Request
At this stage, you don't need to complete a full budget - you just need to give us an indication of how much the proposed project is likely to cost, the maximum request is £10,000.
At this stage, you don't need to complete a full budget - you just need to give us an indication of how much the proposed project is likely to cost, the maximum request is £10,000.
We support full cost recovery, this means that you can request funding for direct project costs and for a proportionate share of your organisation's overheads up to a maximum of 15% of your project budget.
We support full cost recovery, this means that you can request funding for direct project costs and for a proportionate share of your organisation's overheads up to a maximum of 15% of your project budget.
Please note we fund up to a maximum of £500 per application for essential IT equipment for project delivery.
Please note we fund up to a maximum of £500 per application for essential IT equipment for project delivery.
Please review this example below, which gives you an idea of items you could include in costing a project budget.
Please review this example below, which gives you an idea of items you could include in costing a project budget.
The Grants Advisory Panel will consider and review the Outline Proposals received, and make decisions on which organisations to invite to make a Stage 2 application during August. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their Stage 1 application by Friday 30 August 2024.
The Grants Advisory Panel will consider and review the Outline Proposals received, and make decisions on which organisations to invite to make a Stage 2 application during August. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their Stage 1 application by Friday 30 August 2024.
Please note - If you are not sure how to answer any questions, or need additional support to access, we will be happy to help. Please email in the first instance and we can answer your query, or we can arrange a phone call back.
Please note - If you are not sure how to answer any questions, or need additional support to access, we will be happy to help. Please email in the first instance and we can answer your query, or we can arrange a phone call back.
Stage 2 - Application Form Guidance - Questions 4 - 6
Stage 2 - Application Form Guidance - Questions 4 - 6
4) What strategies will you use to attract people to, and ensure continued engagement with your project?
4) What strategies will you use to attract people to, and ensure continued engagement with your project?
We know it can be challenging to recruit and attract people to attend projects even if you have a great course and trainer. The pandemic and the current cost of living crisis for some has created more barriers to engage, home-schooling, working from home, increased anxiety, less money coming in, digital exclusion. On the positive side programmes can be designed to be completed at peoples own time and pace, they can be as creative and engaging just in a different way. Using technology to build and maintain learning relationships is possible and it may improve commitment level. From the many projects we have funded over the years, here are some useful tips and learning points.
We know it can be challenging to recruit and attract people to attend projects even if you have a great course and trainer. The pandemic and the current cost of living crisis for some has created more barriers to engage, home-schooling, working from home, increased anxiety, less money coming in, digital exclusion. On the positive side programmes can be designed to be completed at peoples own time and pace, they can be as creative and engaging just in a different way. Using technology to build and maintain learning relationships is possible and it may improve commitment level. From the many projects we have funded over the years, here are some useful tips and learning points.
a) Keeping programmes short, up to 4 sessions increases initial commitment and continued engagement.
a) Keeping programmes short, up to 4 sessions increases initial commitment and continued engagement.
b) Using incentives during the project and for completing the programme can increase motivation and continued participation.
b) Using incentives during the project and for completing the programme can increase motivation and continued participation.
c) If working with schools, make sure your activities are planned well in advance and you have a key contact that will make it happen.
c) If working with schools, make sure your activities are planned well in advance and you have a key contact that will make it happen.
5) What activities and services will your project deliver?
5) What activities and services will your project deliver?
Please outline your project activities as objectives. They should be: Specific, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound. Please include the expected number of sessions /workshops /appointments to be delivered.
Please outline your project activities as objectives. They should be: Specific, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound. Please include the expected number of sessions /workshops /appointments to be delivered.
Examples
Examples
Specific:
Specific:
To deliver crisis support, advocacy support and financial literacy training using CAB approved resources to 40 Dementia Carers living in Birmingham and Solihull who are experiencing debt and money management issues.
To deliver crisis support, advocacy support and financial literacy training using CAB approved resources to 40 Dementia Carers living in Birmingham and Solihull who are experiencing debt and money management issues.
To deliver financial skills and confidence building sessions to 10 adults with learning disabilities living in Swindon. This will include one to one work and where relevant small group work.
To deliver financial skills and confidence building sessions to 10 adults with learning disabilities living in Swindon. This will include one to one work and where relevant small group work.
Achievable:
Achievable:
The activities are based on numbers that can be supported using a 7 hour a week post and a volunteer.
The activities are based on numbers that can be supported using a 7 hour a week post and a volunteer.
Through experience of delivering project for adults with learning disabilities we know we can deliver 4 short courses over a year, based on the work of a 5 hour per week project co-ordinator post.
Through experience of delivering project for adults with learning disabilities we know we can deliver 4 short courses over a year, based on the work of a 5 hour per week project co-ordinator post.
Relevant:
Relevant:
Debt Advisory Agencies in Birmingham and Solihull have reported a 30% increase in enquiries in the last six months.
Debt Advisory Agencies in Birmingham and Solihull have reported a 30% increase in enquiries in the last six months.
We work with a group of adults with learning disabilities to develop independence skills. This work does not cover financial capability, so there is a gap in what we offer. From our experience of working with this client group we know there is a need for a personalised approach that enables and empowers individuals.
We work with a group of adults with learning disabilities to develop independence skills. This work does not cover financial capability, so there is a gap in what we offer. From our experience of working with this client group we know there is a need for a personalised approach that enables and empowers individuals.
Time Bound:
Time Bound:
A one year funding period will enable us to make a positive impact on the financial literacy of people with mental illness. Due to health matters, family issues etc...we envisage some beneficiaries may need to start and stop their engagement with the project, and re-join our training sessions at a later date.
A one year funding period will enable us to make a positive impact on the financial literacy of people with mental illness. Due to health matters, family issues etc...we envisage some beneficiaries may need to start and stop their engagement with the project, and re-join our training sessions at a later date.
A one year funding period will enable us to make a positive impact on the information and training that professionals receive. We will be able to give an overview of the financial landscape at the time and give professionals information on reliable sources in the future.
A one year funding period will enable us to make a positive impact on the information and training that professionals receive. We will be able to give an overview of the financial landscape at the time and give professionals information on reliable sources in the future.
6) What Outcomes will your project deliver?
6) What Outcomes will your project deliver?
Outcomes are the changes, benefits, learning or other impacts that happen as a result of services and activities provided. Please note these will need to be reported upon at the end of your project.
Outcomes are the changes, benefits, learning or other impacts that happen as a result of services and activities provided. Please note these will need to be reported upon at the end of your project.
a) Project Outcomes - These relate to the impact on other work streams or the organisation’s capacity to provide evidence for future service delivery.
a) Project Outcomes - These relate to the impact on other work streams or the organisation’s capacity to provide evidence for future service delivery.
Examples
Examples
10 Volunteers will report being more confident about helping with financial learning, and will have been upskilled to deliver services in the future.
10 Volunteers will report being more confident about helping with financial learning, and will have been upskilled to deliver services in the future.
4 community partner organisations will report improved awareness of the financial needs of people with mental health issues.
4 community partner organisations will report improved awareness of the financial needs of people with mental health issues.
b) Beneficiary Outcomes - These can be quantified by the number or percentage of beneficiaries you anticipate will realise some degree of change, benefit or impact.
b) Beneficiary Outcomes - These can be quantified by the number or percentage of beneficiaries you anticipate will realise some degree of change, benefit or impact.
Examples
Examples
50 young people to immediately apply their learning in a practical way, as a result they will report self pride and greater confidence about managing money.
50 young people to immediately apply their learning in a practical way, as a result they will report self pride and greater confidence about managing money.
90% of participants will be able to manage their household budgets more wisely.
90% of participants will be able to manage their household budgets more wisely.
70% of people attending will demonstrate improved communication about financial matters.
70% of people attending will demonstrate improved communication about financial matters.
If you need more support, please refer to our FAQs page, if you can’t find an answer, please contact us via email and our Operations Manager will assist you further.
If you need more support, please refer to our FAQs page, if you can’t find an answer, please contact us via email and our Operations Manager will assist you further.
Stage 2 - Budget Guidance
Stage 2 - Budget Guidance
Please provide a full and detailed breakdown of the total costs associated with your project.
Please provide a full and detailed breakdown of the total costs associated with your project.
We support full cost recovery, this means that you can request funding for direct project costs and for a proportionate share of your organisation's overheads up to a maximum of 15% of your project budget.
We support full cost recovery, this means that you can request funding for direct project costs and for a proportionate share of your organisation's overheads up to a maximum of 15% of your project budget.
If the total cost of the project is over £10,000 please state which budget item/s you would like us to support.
If the total cost of the project is over £10,000 please state which budget item/s you would like us to support.
Please note we only fund up to a maximum of £500 per application for essential IT equipment for project delivery.
Please note we only fund up to a maximum of £500 per application for essential IT equipment for project delivery.
Please indicate any income budgeted towards the cost of this project and indicate whether it has already been secured; either as an in-kind contribution or match funded.
Please indicate any income budgeted towards the cost of this project and indicate whether it has already been secured; either as an in-kind contribution or match funded.
Please note if your application is successful the MSE Charity reserve the right to ask for financial receipts to be provided to audit grant expenditure.
Please note if your application is successful the MSE Charity reserve the right to ask for financial receipts to be provided to audit grant expenditure.
Please explain how each cost has been calculated, see example budget below.
Please explain how each cost has been calculated, see example budget below.
Grant Evaluation, Monitoring and Reporting
Grant Evaluation, Monitoring and Reporting
As part of the Terms & Conditions of any grant we offer, two mandatory reports are required to be completed, the Interim Progress Report (around 6 months) and an End of Grant Project Feedback Report.
As part of the Terms & Conditions of any grant we offer, two mandatory reports are required to be completed, the Interim Progress Report (around 6 months) and an End of Grant Project Feedback Report.
Please make yourself aware before you apply, what information we expect to receive from your organisation in return.
Please make yourself aware before you apply, what information we expect to receive from your organisation in return.
The final 10% of any grant agreed, is withheld until satisfactory completion of the grant reports.
The final 10% of any grant agreed, is withheld until satisfactory completion of the grant reports.
Future applications will not be considered if the reports have not been returned.
Future applications will not be considered if the reports have not been returned.