As of 5.00pm on Friday 8th April 2011, in order for organisations to be eligible to apply, they must have an income of less than £1million in the previous 12 months.
For registered charities with a Headquarters based outside Northern Ireland, the income of their Northern Ireland operation will be the figure used to assess eligibility.
The Trustees have taken this decision as there have been an increasing number of applications to the Foundation which makes the decision process more difficult. Also the Trustees are keen to ensure they stay in line with the overall aim of the Foundation, ‘to support underfunded charities that enable people, especially disadvantaged or people with special needs, to play a fuller role in the community.’
There has been no change to the level of grant issued, with the average grant remaining between £3,000-£4,000.
This new eligibility will stay in place for the foreseeable future.
