Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales

Deaf BSL users in Wales currently face significant barriers to accessing support and services. A new Bill plans to change this. According to Swansea University Hidden inequality (2021) report, there are over half a million Deaf or hard of hearing people in Wales. However, there is a real shortage of BSL interpreters in Wales, and there are concerns about the quality of interpreting on offer, due to first-language BSL signers being under-represented in the profession. North Wales regional member of the Senedd, Mark Isherwood is working with the Deaf Issues Cross Party Group and the Senedd engagement team to shape a draft BSL (Wales) Bill with input from Deaf people and others who understand the challenges. The consultation period closes on 31 January 2025. Find out why its important to contribute and advocate for this change https://ow.ly/6LcB50UEcOI

Excellent to see WCVA | CGGC's Policy and Insights Manager, Natalie Zhivkova giving clear and concise evidence to the Senedd’s Finance Committee about the third sector's concerns that the draft budget does not do enough to enable the voluntary sector in continuing to deliver vital services.

With the Prime Minister writing to sector leaders this week to highlight how much more government can achieve together with civil society, 2025 is a critical year to shift from sentiment to real action, writes our Chief Executive, Matt Hyde OBE in Third Sector. Here are four things we should look out for: 1️⃣ Civil society strategy: The government needs to continue building on its strong engagement to embed civil society leadership across its other strategies. The Covenant is a solid foundation, but it needs to have teeth so there can be accountability in delivery. 2️⃣ People: Volunteers are the lifeblood of the sector but volunteering is at an all time low and the sector needs support to turn the tide 3️⃣ Places: plans for a place-based philanthropy strategy are to be welcomed, but like any effective strategy, needs definition and advocacy 4️⃣ Pounds: there needs to be investment in the sector with funding unlocked from new sources. It’s still too early to judge this Government’s commitment to the role of civil society. But 2025 is the year warm words must become action. There's isn't time to waste when it comes to getting volunteers and cash through charities' doors. NCVO, ACEVO, Pro Bono Economics, Community Wealth Fund, Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), National Academy for Social Prescribing https://lnkd.in/eUNNYM5J

"I really can’t tell you how amazing it is to have access to all this support from Lloyds Bank Foundation and their partners. From my perspective as a small charity leader it really is more exciting than the funding itself! To be able to improve the bits that we know need improving with the help of experts is such a relief and will make such a difference."- feedback from one of our #SmallButVital charity partner. Alongside our funding, we work with every charity we fund to identify areas for development and support them grow stronger and more resilient. Here, we reflect on the value of providing developmental support along with funding, and how we will evaluate the dedicated organisational development programme to understand how it compares to wider support available. Read more https://ow.ly/SAYJ50UhRIh

Great to see our Policy and Insights Manager, Natalie Zhivkova’s work highlighted in NationCymru Cyf this week! To read the full article on how National Insurance rise creates major funding crisis for voluntary organisations 👉 https://lnkd.in/eRgMjSEt

Survey time! 📝 We have commissioned NPC (New Philanthropy Capital) to research the funding landscape for voluntary organisations working with and around the criminal justice system. The survey will help: 1️⃣Better understand the funding landscape for voluntary organisations working in and around the Criminal Justice System, and how they navigate that landscape. 2️⃣Identify how changes within that funding system could support and strengthen voluntary organisations. 3️⃣Highlight opportunities for greater integration between philanthropic and government funding sources. Advisory panel: Clinks, HM Prison and Probation Service, AB Charitable Trust, and Corston Independent Funders’ Coalition Deadline 31 January https://lnkd.in/e5xwnfMt

📢 Applications for funding under our programme for specialist #SmallButVital charities closes on 23 January 2025. If you need some support understanding your eligibility or making your application, we have a wealth of ways to help over on our website, including accessible versions of our guidance documents. Applications close at 5pm on the 23 January. Visit our website to find out more and finalise your application. #UnrestrictedFunding #FundingOpportunities https://bit.ly/4emKmI1

Women’s Voices is back! On Wednesday 5 March 2025, in celebration of #InternationalWomensDay, Media Trust is inviting 15 charities supporting women and girls to work alongside media industry experts for a transformative day. 📅 Date: Wednesday 5 March ⏰ Time: 09:30 – 17:00 📍 Location: Meta, King’s Cross, London Does your organisation support women and girls in the UK? Are you looking for expert guidance to bring your 2025 campaign or communications goals to life? #WomensVoice25 is your chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the media and creative industries. Back for a ninth year, this event will connect 15 organisations with volunteers from companies such as BBC, Dentsu, Google and Meta. Together, you will develop strategies and solutions that directly address your communications objectives, empowering you to amplify your mission in the year ahead. 🚨 Don’t miss out! Apply by 17:00 on Monday 13 January: https://lnkd.in/eQH8-nvH #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 #WomensVoices25

"The value of the support given by the Foundation doubles the value of the grant." At Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales we provide funding together with development support to help #SmallButVital charities grow stronger. Read on for insights and lessons learned from the last 10 years. #FunderPlus #OrganisationalDevelopment

🌟 Funding Opportunity: Baobab Community Fund 🌟 This £3 million fund from The Baobab Foundation supports Black and Global Majority collectives, organisations and individuals working toward racial justice✨ 💷 What’s on offer? - Grants from £5,000 to £30,000 per year - Funding for up to 5 years 💻 Want to know more? Join Baobab Foundation for an ‘Ask us Anything’ session to find out if this fund aligns with your vision and work The Fund is deeply rooted in Baobab Foundation’s values: ✨ Justice: Baobab wants to permanently shift how mainstream funders work with Black and Global Majority communities on racial and disability justice. ✨ Unity: Baobab is a pro black, people driven movement, created by and for grassroots communities who are challenging racial injustice. ✨ Freedom: Baobab believes that communities harmed by racism are best placed to create change and to decide what support they need to do this. ⏰ Deadline: Applications close on 3 February. 👉 Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/eTxyAETn