Forward Together, VCSE Conference A Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Norfolk Anna Douglas, Director of Marketing & Development 6 July 2016 Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF Twitter: @NorfolkCF

Forward Together, VCSE Conference NCF as a catalyst for directing funds to meet VCSE organisation’s needs A grant making charity that connects donors with local causes, supporting local community projects that help local people “A large charity for smaller charities” – RT Rev Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich

Creating a fund for positive change Norfolk Strategic Needs and Vital Signs – shape thinking Increased media coverage – locally and nationally Experience of the sector Recognition of funding challenges Respected voice - inform public thinking and secure engagement Donor interest in mental health and wellbeing Reputation – independence and transparency in delivering grant programmes and strong projects NCF in a strong position to take action . . . connecting philanthropy and VCSE 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue at some stage in their lifetime

Developing the Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund Recognition of important role of grassroots community groups NOT to replace statutory provision or divert funding from mental health charities – to attract more funding Part of wider holistic approach – community projects focused on improved mental health and wellbeing Developed broad criteria – demonstrates breadth of issue: Helping older and vulnerable people live independently for longer Care and support for people recovering from trauma and abuse Support and respite for carers Recovery, rehabilitation and moving forward positively Growing healthy young minds

Building the Fund Well positioned – access to donors Engaging existing and attracting new donors Setting the vision – ambition to raise £½ million . . . Committed own free reserves to seed fund match funding 2:1 challenge Identified donor partners with shared vision – build the ‘match pot’ Love Norfolk launch Donors set up a fund – choose theme or geographical focus General donations of all sizes – NCF MH&W Fund

Directing funds to local VCSE Promote Fund for ‘Expressions of interest’ Grants of up to £2,000 or £5,000 Invited to make full application if eligible Donors will choose projects to support Grants awarded

Summary Themed fund – a new approach Using unique position to help to facilitate change – mobilising donors to direct to where funds needed Impart knowledge and provide philanthropic advice to enable donors to understand issues £170k match funding available Fund stands at over £500,000 after two months! 67 applications received Grants awarded in summer Typical projects - counselling, befriending, domestic abuse support, bereavement support, support for carers

Taking local social action Steps and lessons learned . . . Encourage debate – engage stakeholders, trustees, media, community leaders Issue based campaign – identify figurehead and critical friends Do different – think creatively Keep on message, i.e. NOT to replace statutory provision Measure and monitor impact De brief – regular interim meetings at early stage Consider sustainability Building on success – Vital Signs research – development of themed funding based on findings/emerging need to support VCSE need