Information from Family Matters (Stoke-on-Trent City Council)
Family Matters 'Micro-Grant' Funding Opportunity
VAST are promoting new funding opportunities around the city for charitable organisations and non-profits. Family Matters is delighted to announce new council funding opportunities for organisations supporting families in the local community.
This fund is for registered charities, CICs, voluntary organisations, and community groups in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent that provide support services for greater family outcomes.
What are Micro-Grants?
Micro-grants can be broadly defined as small funding awards to individuals and groups for initiatives intended to support community-oriented goals.
Many organisations and individuals across Stoke-on-Trent bring their communities together and provide an important and critical service in the local community and therefore increase a sense of community spirit.
Micro-grants are available for those who are actively engaging with their local communities across Stoke-on-Trent to support and enable family outcomes to be stronger.
How is Funding Allocated?
Family Matters is delivering grants through their new microgrant programme, supporting projects or initiatives that address family and children’s inequalities within Stoke-on-Trent. This is administered by 4 separate organisations on a geographical basis:
· South East – Alice (relief of poverty and advancement of community)
Contact – Lorna.peters@alicecharity.org or 01782 614838
· South West – Family Focus
Contact – info@familyfocusstaffs.org.uk or 01782 863762
· Central – YMCA North Staffs
Contact – Alison.Odonovan@ymcans.org.uk or 01782 222376
· North – Just Family CIC
Contact – enquiresjustfamily@gmail.com or 01782 939183
The total funding available £10,000 across a 12-month period. Family Matters reserve the right to close the microgrant application process at any time. Funding is restricted to specific geographical locations and must be used in the area it is awarded for.
How Are Applications Assessed?
Initially we will assess whether your application is eligible – this means we will confirm that your organisation meets the criteria (including evidence of need) and has supplied the supporting documentation.
If you meet the criteria and are applying for £500 or less, we aim to process your application within 10 working days.
If you are applying for more than £500 your application will be considered by a grant panel and feedback will be provided in 15 working days.
Micro-Grant
Requests up to £500 – ‘Micro-Grant’
Resources for families
(10 days)
Funding Over £500
Requests in excess of £500 considered
on case-by-case basis
(15 days)
Terms and Conditions
The application form covers four main areas: basic contact details, information about your organisation and its aims, how you plan to use the funding (including a budget and expected outcomes).
You’ll also need to provide supporting documents, your governing document and a recent bank statement (within the last 3 months).
Funding is aimed at projects that support families and children. It will not cover for-profit or statutory organisations, individuals, large organisations (over £1m annual income), general running costs, building works, or projects without clear family impact.
Recipients must follow standard terms and conditions, including returning unspent funds if the group closes, keeping contact and governance details up to date, acknowledging the funder in publicity, and completing a short report after the project ends.
You can click the link below to access full guidance from Family Matters.