Applying for a grant
If you intend applying for a grant –
- Be sure that what you propose would be legally charitable. To check the Charity Commission guidance 'Speaking Out - Guidance on Political Activity and Campaigning by Charities', see Guidelines for contact details.
- Check that your project fits with what MHF will consider. If you are not certain whether your project qualifies for a grant from MHF, don't send an application but seek clarification from the Administrator.
- Refer to the Grants list, especially the information on impacts and outcomes.
- Refer to the Guidelines before making an application.
What applications should include
- Full contact details, including email address if available. A covering letter containing a brief summary of the purpose of the project and the amount sought from MHF, and a substantive paper of no more than 4 pages. All other information should be provided as Appendices.
- A description of the project including its aims and intended outcomes, with specific reference to possible policy implications, an action programme and proposed timescale for delivery.
- A budget for the project giving a breakdown of total expenditure and of sources of anticipated income.
- A copy of the most recent annual report and audited accounts for the project and/or the sponsoring body.
- The constitution of the responsible body.
- Details of the organisation’s policy and procedures for equal opportunities and diversity.
- If appropriate, plans for dissemination of the results of the project. (Research reports should be summarised in a format similar to that of the ‘Findings’ series produced by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation www.jrf.org.uk).
- Details of arrangements for monitoring and evaluation.
- If funding is sought towards the costs of a salaried post, a job description.
- The names of two independent referees (references may not be taken up in every case).
Application, at least in the form of an outline proposal, should be made in writing to:
The Administrator, Millfield House Foundation, 19 The Crescent, Benton Lodge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7ST. Email: terence.finley@virginmedia.com
If it is considered that the application fits the guidelines, the Administrator may request further information and a meeting with the applicant may be arranged.
The Trustees normally meet twice a year, in May and November. Applications should be submitted around the end of March or the end of September.
The Administrator is willing to provide guidance prior to preparation of final applications, but prefers to see an outline before discussing an application.
Applications relating to the North East will normally be acknowledged. Applications which originate from beyond the region and are outside the guidelines will not usually be acknowledged.