Applications for funding for local health-related projects invited by HMR CCG

Dr Chris Duffy, NHS HMR CCG chairman and local GP

Local charities, community and voluntary organisations in the Rochdale Borough are being  invited to apply for funding for health-related projects as part of the Social Investment Fund (SIF).

In line with the NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG) priorities for health improvement, the SIF Themes for 2018/19 will focus on developing the building blocks that individuals need to thrive and cope, and strengthening communities and supporting them to grow and prosper.

Applications should be able to demonstrate their ability to meet one of four themes:

• Innovation
• Aspiration
• Isolation
• Integration

The themes must compliment the development and implementation of the borough’s Locality Plan and Local Care Organisation (LCO).

The CCG is encouraging local groups to apply for one-off grants for projects of up to 12 months, (please note all schemes are required to embed a sustainability or exit plan into their project).

Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and HMR CCG chairman, said: “As part of the Social Investment Fund, we have awarded a total of £4.9 million to local voluntary, charity and community led projects. We are excited to be offering the opportunity again for another year to even more groups who can have a health impact within our local community.”

There are two separate funding opportunities and charities, community and voluntary organisations may submit bids to either or both funding pots.  

• Strengthening Communities Fund – grants of up to £25,000 - A full application form which will be reviewed by a SIF panel. Grants to be awarded in March 2018 for service delivery in April 2018.
• Supporting Communities Fund – grants of up to £10,000 - A short application form will be reviewed by a SIF panel and applications meeting criteria will be invited to present their project to the SIF panel. Grants to be awarded in March 2018 for service delivery in April 2018.

The deadline for applications to the Strengthening Communities Fund is Monday 29 January 2018 at 5pm.

The deadline for applications to the Supporting Communities Fund is Friday 12 January 2018 at 5pm.

All applications will be considered by a SIF panel, with representatives from HMR CCG and Rochdale Borough Council with organisations notified in March 2018. Successful applicants should aim to commence delivery of the project in April 2018.

Organisations are asked to read the CCG SIF guidance notes to see if their organisation/ project will be eligible for funding.

Application forms, detailed guidance notes and a copy of the grant agreement are available on the HMR CCG website at:

www.hmr.nhs.uk/index.php/services/local-health-grants