UK-based development charities which work on projects to transform lives in the world’s poorest countries are being encouraged to apply for a cash boost.
DFID’s Small Charities Challenge Fund (SCCF) is now open to organisations which have an income of less than £250,000 and provide life-changing support to those in need across the globe.
Charities can access grants of up to £50,000 to help respond to global challenges such as improving girls’ education, tackling climate change and promoting access to healthcare in the developing world.
International development secretary Alok Sharma said: “Every day, small British charities are working to save lives.
“Their commitment and passion is helping to reduce poverty around the world and deliver on wide-ranging priorities including education and health.
“We want to make it easier for them to access UK aid which will make a huge difference in their ability to deliver on the front line.”
This new phase of funding follows a two-year pilot scheme where charities such as Bristol-based Legs4Africa used an SCCF grant to help in their work to support amputees in Africa.
Legs4Africa director Phil Tunstall said: “Over 100 amputees in West Africa have received prosthetic legs and rehabilitation since we received our first SCCF grant.
“UK aid helped us with our project design, getting our policies and procedures in order, and with project funding, all of this has made our small charity grow and become more accountable and professional.
“This is important, because it means we can help so many more amputees walk again and find their independence.”
The first review date for applications is November 28.
For more information, visit: www.ukaiddirect.org/apply/sccf/
