Tackling child poverty

Communities and charities with new ideas to tackle child poverty will be given the opportunity to bid for part of a new £7.5 million Innovation Fund.

Announced as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, the fund, financed by the Scottish Government and the Hunter Foundation, is now open for applications from communities, local charities, health boards and councils. 

A panel with membership from across the sector will judge the applications, which will support new or existing projects that will have an impact on reducing child poverty by 2030.

Communities Secretary Angela Constance said:

“We want to tackle child poverty and ensure the very best outcomes for children today, and generations to come.  As a government, we are taking bold action through our Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, but we need to work together to make a difference.   

We want to ensure that if actions to tackle poverty are working well in some communities, they can be shared elsewhere so more children and families can benefit.  Government can’t end child poverty on our own – so partnerships are vital to make change happen.” 

Sir Tom Hunter, chairman of the Hunter Foundation added:

“This is about engaging with local communities and people who can make a real difference. The fund’s priority is to meet the needs of families and carers and up to £100,000 per organisation can make a real difference. It is time Scotland changed the dynamic on poverty and set about leading the world in its eradication.”

Background

Applications can be made online.

The Innovation Fund will support both new and the expansion of existing approaches that will have an impact on reducing child poverty by 2030 in a way that helps families to remain out of poverty for a minimum three year period and are viable and sustainable practices for public sector/third sector.

A scrutiny panel from across the public, private and third sector will provide advice on applications, members of the panel will include:

• Jim McCormick (JRF)
• Anna Fowlie (SCVO)
• Sarah Gadsden (Improvement Service)
• Gerry McLaughlin (NHS Health Scotland)
• Fraser McKinlay (Audit Scotland)

Applications open today and will close at midnight on 29 June 2018 with awards being made, subject to final diligence and shortlisted interviews/project visits, no later than 17 August 2018.