Health Volunteering Fund.

The Department of Health is launching a new Volunteer Fund, to support health volunteering.  There are two  2 distinct grant funding schemes: a local grant scheme aimed at supporting volunteering in health and social care and a national portfolio scheme for national organisations invited to apply for more substantial awards or to deliver more strategic or developmental programmes.  Applications for the fund will open in January 2010 with the first round being for local projects, followed by a second round later in the year which will support a national scheme.

There are likely to be 6-8 grants of up to £35,000 over 3 years will be available in each region. An information event is being held in the North East on the 4th February, in Newcastle aimed to give practical support to potential applicants.  Places will be allocated on a first come basis.

For more information, including the priorities and how to apply please visit www.volunteeringfund.com or tel: 0845 172 8058.