Aims/priorities: The funding is available to organisations that can help engage people and communities across Britain with information about how to get and use smart meters. It is especially aimed at projects that can reach those who may face barriers to getting a smart meter.
In 2022, there are three funding streams, each targeting a specific audience:
- Grants for organisations reaching people who are over 65.
- Grants for organisations reaching people on a low income.
- Grants for organisations reaching people who are carers.
The panel are looking for projects which:
- Use a combination of direct and indirect activities to engage the target group on the subject of smart meters, including face to face advice; advice given by an individual over the phone/online; events, advertising, distributing or displaying information, etc.
- Reflect a clear understanding of the objectives of the programme and how the activities they will deliver respond to those objectives.
- Represent good value for money.
- Show strong links into the relevant target group and clear established relationships with other local networks to enhance reach and engagement to the target group.
- Can demonstrate how they will engage the target group either through innovative approaches or by building on existing work.
Projects must be delivered between 4 April and 7 December 2022.
Who can apply? Applications will be considered from regionally based organisations preferably with local networks that can deliver support to people in one of the target groups (people over 65, on a low income or carers). Housing associations and local authorities are eligible to apply. Applicants will need to have a trusted voice in their community and provide support to people in this year’s target group(s). Organisations that are not a registered charity may be required to provide further information and supporting documentation along with their grant application. Successful applicants will be expected to participate in monitoring and evaluation activities both during and at the end of their project as well as attend a mandatory online induction workshop in April 2022. Previous applicant, both successful and unsuccessful, are encouraged to apply. Acknowledging the challenges which coronavirus/COVID-19 present, the scheme is looking to fund partners that offer multiple routes into reaching people who are over 65, on a low income or who are carers. There is particular interest in projects that offer a combination of direct and indirect activities to reach people at scale.
Grant amount: There are three funding levels in 2022:
- Grants of between £15,000 and £25,000 for organisations reaching people who are over 65.
- Grants of between £7,500 and £10,000 for organisations reaching people on a low income.
- Grants of £5,000 for organisations reaching people who are carers.
Application process: Guidance notes, the project plan and the online application form are available through the NEA website.
Deadline: 11 February 2022 (12 noon).
Contact information: Tel 07566789483, Email smartgrants@nea.org.uk
Website address: www.nea.org.uk/smart-meters/smart-fund/