The Baring Foundation has announced that its 2008 programme 'Strengthening the Voluntary Sector (STVS) - Independence Grants' programme is now open to applicants.
This year the programme will focus on strengthening the independence of advice and advocacy organisations in the cities of Bristol, Coventry, Manchester or Sheffield or in the counties of Kent or Lincolnshire. The deadline for submitting applications is 30 June 2008. New grants will be announced in December 2008.
This year the STVS programme has a tight focus. The last round in 2006 was relatively open and a very high number of applications yielded a success rate for applicants of 4%. It is important that this year the success rate is higher. There are therefore geographical criteria and a focused theme within the issue of independence from government. The focus also enables us to explore issues at the local level, where independence is coming under greatest pressure. Please note that the criteria are now fixed for this year and cannot be changed to include other organisations.