Northern Rock Foundation

Fresh Ideas Fund

The Fresh Ideas Fund is now closed to applicants. In total, 77 applications were received.  If you applied to the second round (closing date 31st October 2011) your application will be in process and you will hear from the Foundation shortly.

Northern Rock Foundation’s new Proof of Concept grant fund.

Successful leaders adapt quickly, learning to see their world in new ways and encouraging fresh thinking. They know that in a rapidly changing environment it is only those organisations that can innovate which will grow and thrive.

With the increasing focus on social enterprise, and growing availability of loan capital we believe we have an important role to play in helping the best and most ambitious organisations in the North East and Cumbria to explore new opportunities to help them grow in size, improve long term sustainability and increase their impact.

You may have plans to develop new social enterprises, support more of your beneficiaries, spread your work into your neighbouring town, or work with completely new clients. Or you might want to take on a new asset or build a partnership with a like minded charity. With the Foundation’s support you will be able to take these ideas to the next stage.

Northern Rock Foundation is proposing, through this proof of concept fund, to help voluntary organisations in the North East and Cumbria, working in the Foundation’s core areas of interest, to develop their best and most enterprising ideas to a point at which they are ready for investment.

A £0.5 million fund will provide organisations with grants of up to £50,000 to establish whether their ideas are feasible. Our aim is to help you to produce the evidence you need to secure the support and investment to make your ideas happen.

Successful applicants will also receive expert help and guidance to ensure their proposals are tested thoroughly.

You will need to check that your work fits the Foundation’s current grant programmes.

Deadline for applications are 30th September 2011 and 31st October 2011.

Shortlisted applicants will be expected to develop their ideas in greater detail and give a presentation to a small panel.

If you would like to discuss any ideas ring Richard Walton or Penny Wilkinson on 0191 284 8412.