GVC Fund

This programme aims to support local communities who use sport and physical activity to raise awareness, tackle mental health stigma, and support men with mental or physical health problems to become more active.

Priority will be given to small, locally based organisations in areas of disadvantage, run by people directly affected by the issues they are dealing with, and that have a clear understanding of the needs they are supporting.

Examples of the types of projects GVC are aiming to fund:

• Men’s health projects1
• Community sport activities
• Men’s Sheds

Grants up to £5,000 are available Groups can apply for up to 50% of the grant as core costs and the remainder as project delivery costs. Applications can be submitted at any time. There are no closing dates for applications. You will receive a decision within 8 weeks from the receipt of a complete and eligible application.

Funding is available to charitable organisations based in or who mainly operate in County Durham or Tees Valley. Applications should be for a project that lasts a year however repeat funding is a possibility. Projects can deliver opportunities in a range of contexts and settings that can also include online, in clubs and groups, informally, or as part of structured programmes.

Typically, we award grants to: • constituted voluntary-led organisations with charitable aims, • registered charities • charitable incorporated organisations (CIO) • social enterprises • community interest companies (CIC) • Companies limited by guarantee that have charitable aims

What we cannot fund: • unspecified contributions to general fund-raising appeals or large projects, • for profit or commercial elements of charitable organisations, • public bodies to carry out their statutory obligations, • direct replacement of statutory or public funding, • party political activity and campaigning, • contingency funding building or buying premises or land rights, • projects that solely support animal welfare, • purchase of vehicles (running costs will be considered), • feasibility studies or initial community consultations, • fundraising activities, • deficit or retrospective funding, • sponsored events, multiple trophies or prizes • onward awarding of grants except in exceptional circumstances • CIC start-ups • profit making or business ventures, including start-up costs • activities that are primarily about proselytization or supporting worship activities • capital costs or physical items of more than half the value of the grant • individuals or sponsorship • Trips abroad • activities generating private profit • organisations who are already in receipt of a grant directly from GVC • national or regional charities, although we can support local branches of national charities if they are financially independent and locally managed • organisations whose free reserves include more than 12 months of running costs, • medical research and equipment,