The ARN Foundation Tackling Isolation Fund

Overview

The ARN Foundation is an independent Charitable Trust set up with the intent of supporting good causes across Northern Ireland.

The ARN Foundation’s Tackling Isolation Fund will support organisations to deliver projects in support of older people affected by the cost of living crisis; and will be managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Context

In June 2022 the Community Foundation met with a number of key stakeholders and called for the formation of an Executive to address the cost of living crisis.

As part of the Foundation’s commitment to being flexible and responsive they have agreed to review some of their funds with a view to supporting communities at this time.

Among the hardest hit by the cost of living crisis are older people. Older people are often on fixed income, and the rising cost of food and fuel has often led to having to choose between eating or heating.

The latest cost of living research from Age UK found around 65,000 households aged 60+ in Northern Ireland will have insufficient income to cover their essential spending this year.

Around 25,000 (almost 40%) of pensioners here are currently living in poverty or just above the poverty line.

There are concerns that over the next few months and into the winter that older people will suffer further.

In recognition of the needs of older people, the ARN Foundation has developed a new Fund, the Tackling Isolation Fund, with a particular focus on food and fuel.

Groups supporting older people can access up to £10,000 of financial support.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply your project must target at least three of the key priorities detailed below:

• Supporting older people to keep warm.
• Supporting older people to access a nutritious meal.
• Reducing isolation and vulnerability of older people through supporting participation in activities.
• Enabling older people to access technology, and to potential benefits and entitlements that they may not be aware of.
• Beneficiaries who are rurally isolated.

Examples of projects could include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting older people through delivery of services to live an independent and well-nourished way of life in their own home and as part of the community.
• Providing opportunities for older people to be involved in the design, delivery and ongoing management of community-based initiatives.
• Overcoming social isolation through social contact with other older people building on food activities, such as cooking from scratch and sharing meals, and other activities involving the wider community.
• Promoting intergenerational activities by involving older and younger people in food-based and social activities.
• Providing choice in meeting nutritional needs, including delivery of shopping by volunteers or accompanied shopping, and befriending support.
• Increasing affordability of, and access to, basic foodstuffs and/or fuel.

What can be supported?

• Running costs, such as sessional costs for tutors, support costs, venue hire, transport.
• Food costs for luncheon clubs, meals on wheels, community fridges.
• Capital costs are eligible if they address at least one of the key priorities.

An end of grant monitoring report must be submitted upon completion of the project.

Projects should be complete within twelve months.

Who can apply?

• Registered charities in Northern Ireland.