1. Forward Together, VCSE Conference
A Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Norfolk
Anna Douglas, Director of Marketing & Development
6 July 2016

2. Forward Together, VCSE Conference
NCF as a catalyst for directing funds to meet VCSE organisation’s needs
A grant making charity that connects donors with local causes, supporting local community projects that help local people
“A large charity for smaller charities” – RT Rev Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich

3. Creating a fund for positive change
Norfolk Strategic Needs and Vital Signs – shape thinking
Increased media coverage – locally and nationally
Experience of the sector
Recognition of funding challenges
Respected voice - inform public thinking and secure engagement
Donor interest in mental health and wellbeing
Reputation – independence and transparency in delivering grant programmes and strong projects
NCF in a strong position to take action connecting philanthropy and VCSE
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue at some stage in their lifetime

4. Developing the Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund
Recognition of important role of grassroots community groups
NOT to replace statutory provision or divert funding from mental health charities – to attract more funding
Part of wider holistic approach – community projects focused on improved mental health and wellbeing
Developed broad criteria – demonstrates breadth of issue:
Helping older and vulnerable people live independently for longer
Care and support for people recovering from trauma and abuse
Support and respite for carers
Recovery, rehabilitation and moving forward positively
Growing healthy young minds

5. Building the Fund Well positioned – access to donors
Engaging existing and attracting new donors
Setting the vision – ambition to raise £½ million . . .
Committed own free reserves to seed fund match funding 2:1 challenge
Identified donor partners with shared vision – build the ‘match pot’
Love Norfolk launch
Donors set up a fund – choose theme or geographical focus
General donations of all sizes – NCF MH&W Fund

6. Directing funds to local VCSE
Promote Fund for ‘Expressions of interest’
Grants of up to £2,000 or £5,000
Invited to make full application if eligible
Donors will choose projects to support
Grants awarded

7. Summary Themed fund – a new approach
Using unique position to help to facilitate change – mobilising donors to direct to where funds needed
Impart knowledge and provide philanthropic advice to enable donors to understand issues
£170k match funding available
Fund stands at over £500,000 after two months!
67 applications received
Grants awarded in summer
Typical projects - counselling, befriending, domestic abuse support, bereavement support, support for carers

8. Taking local social action
Steps and lessons learned . . .
Encourage debate – engage stakeholders, trustees, media, community leaders
Issue based campaign – identify figurehead and critical friends
Do different – think creatively
Keep on message, i.e. NOT to replace statutory provision
Measure and monitor impact
De brief – regular interim meetings at early stage
Consider sustainability
Building on success – Vital Signs research – development of themed funding based on findings/emerging need to support VCSE need