Joe Ray, social investment and innovation advisor at People’s Postcode Lottery, answers questions on the launch of Dream Fund 2018
Dream Fund 2018 launched on 14 July. Can you give us the inside scoop into what Dream Fund is?
We’re really excited to be launching Dream Fund 2018! It’s a bit of a different funding round for us here at People’s Postcode Lottery but it’s one we always look forward to working on. There’s nothing more exciting than giving charities the chance to make their dream a reality. Every year, the Dream Fund asks charities across Great Britain to think big, be brave and to work with other not-for-profit partners to deliver their dream project over a two year period. This year’s Dream Fund is biggest to date with a massive £3 million funding pot.
Who can apply?
Each application must come from a partnership of at least two charities from across Great Britain. Previous partnerships have included Canal & River Trust and Help for Heroes who are delivering their project Heritage Heroes with £500,000 in funding, and Missing People and PACT who were awarded £225,000 to launch the Child Rescue Alert.
How do you apply?
The Dream Fund has a three stage application process but the first stage involves completing an accessible one page online form, with the best projects being shortlisted for stage two. The online form and funding criteria are available at www.postcodedreamtrust.org.uk.
What sort of projects are you looking for?
The Dream Fund rewards projects that are innovative, impactful and collaborative. If a project is ambitious and is attempting something that hasn’t been achieved before then the Dream Fund could be suitable. Our Dream Fund has four funding themes to guide charities; they are supporting families, improving people’s lives through animals, green communities and increasing life chances for young people. Although there are themes for the Dream Fund all applications are welcome.
If a project is ambitious and hasn’t been achieved before then the Dream Fund could be suitable
When do winners find out they have won?
Once the trustees make their final decision the winners will be announced at our annual Charity Gala which will take place in January 2018.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about Dream Fund 2018?
You can read all about the funding themes and previous winners at the Postcode Dream Trust website: http://www.postcodedreamtrust.org.uk/dream-fund. If you know any charities with a dream ideas please point them in our direction.
