Small Grants
A small grants fund has been set up to support organisations to put on remembrance events as part of this year's To Absent Friends festival. (1-7 November 2022.)
Two types of small grants (of up to £300) are available:
Community grants: These are for organisations and communities who want to plan private remembrance events at which their community can come together (in person or online) to share memories, stories and solace.
Public grants: These are for organisations who want to organise an interactive public event such as a concert, exhibition or installation, freely open to members of the public.
What kind of events will the small grants fund?
The fund aims to support activities that provide opportunities for storytelling and/or remembrance of people who have died.
The range of ways in which organisations can participate is wide and varied.
In previous years, events have included concerts, poetry nights, craft activities, memory sharing events, storytelling suppers, exhibitions and much more. Last year, events included a podcast, a comedy and storytelling BBQ, activities for children, and community art installations.
Some ideas of relevant activities organisations might wish to undertake are listed on the To Absent Friends website, but we also encourage creative and innovative ideas that feel right to local groups and communities.
Are the grants connected to the covid-19 pandemic?
The To Absent Friends festival runs every year, providing a time to remember and celebrate people who have died - either recently or long in the past.
The covid-19 pandemic has brought much suffering and loss. People have been bereaved because of covid-19, and people have died during periods of physical distancing restrictions, when when loved ones couldn't physically come together to say goodbye and share solace.
As a society it is important that we take time to recognise the impact of this. We are keen to support communities to organise events to remember people who have died from covid-19 or during the pandemic.
However, we also want to support communities to remember anyone who has died that remains in their hearts - whether recently or long ago.
Who can apply for the grants?
Any organisation with a bank account can apply for a grant. We would encourage applications from charities, community groups, care homes, NHS organisations, small businesses, prisons, arts organisations, schools, education institutions and more.
Details
Grants are available for up to £300.
We are keen to support:
- Events that celebrate and remember a person or people who have died – whether recently or long ago.
AND/OR
- Events that recognise the loss caused by coronavirus, and provide opportunities to remember people who have died from covid-19 and/or during the lockdown period.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 12pm on Thursday 22nd September 2022. (We will aim to inform applicants of whether or not they have been successful by 5th October, but please let us know if you need a decision earlier.)
A short grant application form and guidance notes for applicants are provided below.
Photo credit: Lochgelly Band
