First Utility Foundation is an independent charity established by First Utility in 2014 when the company chose to celebrate a major milestone in its growth by committing 1% of annual profits to charitable causes. It is run by a board of independent Trustees who award grants to organisations which deliver a genuine improvement to the lives of vulnerable families and individuals within the UK. All our grants are made according to our Grant Guidelines, which are set out below.
You can also find more information on our website www.first-utility-foundation.org.uk or, if you have any specific questions, please contact Fiona Paré on Email: [email protected] or Tel: 07879 464 531.
Deadline for initial applications: 29th February 2016
The primary aim of First Utility Foundation is to make life better for vulnerable families and individuals. The Trustees are looking for projects run by UK-registered charities which deliver support for vulnerable communities in the UK. Please review the below eligibility criteria in detail before preparing your application. Whilst the grant application must be submitted by the charity itself, First Utility employees and customers are also invited to recommend organisations for support through the website www.first-utility-foundation.org.uk. What type of grants are available?
There are two categories of financial grants available: 1. General Support grants: These grants specifically cover an organisation’s core costs. 2. Flagship grants: These larger scale grants contribute to a specific initiative or project. Are we eligible for a grant?
The Trustees are specifically looking for projects which: Change the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable families and children for the better Improve the quality of life of older people Make life better for people with disabilities All applicant organisations must as a minimum: Be managed and delivered by a UK-registered charity (preferably with a turnover between £50k and £5m) Reach vulnerable individuals and families Have transparent plans and budgets Have available documentation as specified in the application form including two years of externally audited accounts
Special consideration will also be given to projects which can demonstrate that: Have a track record helping vulnerable communities to create a new and better future Are delivering or pioneering solutions to help the vulnerable – challenging the status quo Are helping beneficiaries to spend less 2 Provide an opportunity for the Foundation’s grant to leverage in further funding from other donors Have at least 30% of the project funding secured from other sources Have a clear plan in place for the project’s long term sustainability – or indeed an exit strategy depending on the situation
Please note that the Foundation does not make grants towards the following: The promotion or advancement of religion or political campaigning Individuals Capital projects Endowment funds Exclusively grant-making charities
How much can we apply for? General Support grants (for core costs) are valued at between £3,000 and £10,000 per annum. Flagship grants are valued at up to £20,000 per annum. Amounts awarded depend on the amount requested, the scale of the project in question and the resources available within the Foundation.
The final decision is made by the Board of Trustees.
