...Weapons of Mass Happiness

WoMH
So - in Australia I shared a heavily abridged version of a book chapter I've written that will be published in 2017 called Weapons of Mass Happiness, and here is the 'presentation' version with probably the most appalling voice over I've yet done. But in all fairness, it was recorded in one take, in an echoey kitchen, on my phone and under trying circumstances. It is what it is.

Yes - this blog has been quiet while I've been working away, but my head is crammed with things Trump, Brexit and so much more. (You can see some blog entries below, which include some important funding opportunities, so do take a look) Part of me holds back from spilling too much acid here, as I know some of you come to the blog for opportunities, grants, jobs etc - but I know too - some of you are waiting for the simmering bile to erupt. So let's just leave the whole thing to ferment for now, and see what comes...

Woodward Charitable Trust (UK)
The Woodward Charitable Trust, which is one of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts has announced that it General Grant making programme is open for applications. Applications are welcomed from UK registered charities working addressing a wide range of social issues. This includes:

• Children and young people who are isolated, at risk of exclusion or involved in anti-social behaviour
• Projects that help the rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners and/or ex-offenders
• Disadvantaged women, covering refuges, domestic violence and parenting
• Disability projects, which can include rehabilitation and training for people who are either physically disabled or learning disabled
• Arts outreach work by local groups involving disadvantaged people
• Projects that promote integration and community cohesion amongst minority groups, including refugees and travellers.

The fund offers grants of up to £5,000 through their small grants scheme and grants of over £5,000 through their large grants scheme. The closing date for applications is the 16th December 2016. Read more HERE.

Community Solutions Fund (North West)
The Community Solutions Fund is a partnership between the Santander Foundation and Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside to make grant investments in the North of England to support projects that increase knowledge, skills and innovation that help disadvantaged people improve confidence. Grants of £5,000 are available to registered charities, CIC's and credit unions for projects that meet one of the following themes:

• ‘Explorer' - improving people's knowledge
• ‘Transformer' - supporting skills and experience for any age group to reduce social isolation
• ‘Changemaker' - innovative solutions to social challenges.
• Priority is given to smaller organisations to help build capacity; costs must be specifically for the delivery of an identified project and must support a project in full.

The closing date for applications is the 25th November 2016; there is sufficient budget for 12 grants therefore the fund may close earlier if a large number of applications are received. Read more HERE. 



Nesta Impact Investments (UK)
Nesta, the UK's Innovation Foundation has announced that it is looking to invest in social ventures with innovative products or services that are addressing some of the UK's most pressing challenges. In particular, Nesta are seeking innovations that have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of an ageing population; the educational attainment and employability of children and young people; and the social and environmental sustainability of communities. Nesta providing investments of between £150,000 and £1m in early-stage ventures based in, and supplying their products and services in the UK. Read more HERE. 
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