Equilibrium Foundation Grant Awards - Equilibrium
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    Equilibrium Foundation Grant Awards

    See this year's winners

    Background

    2023 applications are now closed.

    Since its beginning in 2010, the Equilibrium Foundation has given £1 million to good causes.

    We are always keen to find innovative, passionate charities who are making a difference in their locality. So, in 2023, we will be inviting charities in the North West of England to apply for a share of £60,000 to support and grow their work.

    The theme of these first Equilibrium Foundation Grant Awards will be combating child poverty in North West England. Please check the criteria below to see if your charity is eligible – we don’t want to waste any of your valuable time!

    Criteria

    The Equilibrium Foundation grant is open to:

    • UK Registered Charities (or exempt charities with an HMRC number)
    • Charities whose income in the last financial year for which you have submitted accounts to the Charity Commission was less than £1 million
    • Charities whose main office is registered in Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire or Cumbria AND whose work is exclusively or mainly in those areas
    • Charities whose work is principally addressing issues of UK child poverty (for unrestricted funding) or who wish to submit a specific project addressing UK child poverty (for project funding)

    Timeline

    Applications are open

    26 May

    Applications deadline

    June

    Applications are reviewed

    June

    Applications are shortlisted by the panel

    September

    Winners are announced

    Meet the panel

    Colin Lawson

    Trustee

    Colin, Founder of Equilibrium Financial Planning, believes it's important to give back, given the fortunate position we are in. He came up with the idea of creating the Equilibrium Foundation over a decade ago and has been committed to making people's lives better in our local community ever since.

    Andrew Evans

    Philanthropy Adviser

    Andrew advises individuals and grant makers to maximise the impact of their charitable giving and philanthropy. His expertise includes getting started in giving, finding causes that align with your vision and involving your family in giving. Andrew lives in North Wales and is Vice-President of the National Library of Wales.

    Aleesha Shah

    Charity Champion

    Aleesha, Client Manager at Equilibrium Financial Planning has a passion for making a positive impact in the community. As the team leader of Equilibrium's Charity Champions, she has successfully organised numerous volunteer days and led fundraising initiatives for various charities.

    Jenny Hopkinson

    Founder of The Bursary Foundation

    Jenny is the CEO of The Bursary Foundation, a Manchester-based charity. Their mission is to connect disadvantaged students with top educational opportunities. They identify talented students and provide guidance to help them reach their full potential.

    Chris Fox

    Client

    Following a successful engineering and project management career, Chris became a consultant at the European Construction Institute to promote excellence in project management. He is now an active contributor to charitable causes, including the Equilibrium Foundation, to help make a positive impact in the community.

    This year's winners

    Bare Necessities, Wilmslow


    Addressing hygiene poverty, Bare Necessities is a toiletry bank that collects and distributes essential products to a network of charities.

    The grant will support their Give a Smile and Give a Wash Day projects, providing toothbrushes, toothpaste and laundry detergents. These initiatives play a pivotal role in bolstering self-esteem and overall wellbeing for children and their families.

    Bolton Toy Library


    Dedicated to enriching disadvantaged children’s lives up to the age of eight, Bolton Toy Library facilitates interactive play, lending toys, books, and specialised resources. It serves as a nurturing space for vulnerable families, offering essential support services alongside play opportunities.

    A Diversity Support Worker will be appointed using the grant, focusing on aiding non-native English-speaking families out of poverty.

    Children Today, Chester


    Children Today provides grants, advice and guidance that allow children and young people (up to the age of 25) living with disabilities to access specialised equipment (including trikes, adapted buggies, powered wheelchairs, lightweight wheelchairs, bubble tubes, seating systems and tough beds).

    Home-Start Trafford, Salford and Wigan


    With a mission to provide support to families with young children during challenging times, Home-Start has built a community network of trained volunteers and experts.

    Their grant will provide targeted aid for local families facing poverty and debt. The funds will also sustain a part-time position dedicated to organising and distributing essential items.

    Norbrook Youth Club, Wythenshawe


    This youth club empowers young people aged 6 – 18 through a range of weekly sessions in a secure environment.

    Their grant will be channelled towards enhancing kitchen facilities used for healthy cooking classes. Notably, these improvements will focus on ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

    Prevent2Protect, Salford


    This organisation tackles the pressing issue of safeguarding young people through educational workshops. Their GANG for LIFE? project addresses gang-related concerns among those aged 9-16.

    The grant will allow them to expand the reach and frequency of these workshops.

    Swinton Lions Community Sports Foundation


    Promoting healthy lifestyles and sports engagement, Swinton Lions Community Sports Foundation leverages Rugby League as a medium for empowerment.

    The grant will support the development of innovative programs across four targeted community hubs in Manchester, catering to those aged 7-18.

    Contact

    We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have about the application process. To get in touch with us, simply fill out the form below and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.

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