Aims/priorities: The funding is intended to help organisations access new tools, technologies, and training that improve efficiency, accessibility and user experience, particularly for the most vulnerable. This fund is ideal for organisations seeking to modernise their debt advice services and create impactful improvements for its organisation and clients.
The objectives of the grant fund are:
- Enhance service delivery: Support organisations in innovating or modernising their debt advice services through the adoption of new tools, technologies, and processes, improving efficiency and effectiveness.
- Improve accessibility: Increase the accessibility of debt advice services by implementing solutions that make it easier for clients to access support, such as digital platforms, remote services or improved physical accessibility.
- Drive sustainable change: Encourage lasting improvements in service provision that continue beyond the funding period, ensuring the long-term impact of the projects.
- Foster innovation: Promote innovative approaches to debt advice that respond to evolving client needs and sector challenges.
These objectives aim to create a more efficient, client-centred debt advice sector capable of meeting current and future demands.
Who can apply? Registered not-for-profits organisations, such as charities or community interest companies (CICs) can apply.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have an annual turnover of less than £1.5 million (i.e., £1,499,999 or less) verified by Charity Commission annual accounts.
- Currently be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide debt counselling and adjusting services.
- Directly provide free to client debt advice.
- Be located and provide free debt advice services in England only.
- Demonstrate sound financial status.
- Ensure they can meet the 31 March 2025 completion and spending deadline.
- Ensure their proposal includes an innovative or modernisation element and is not solely focussed on ongoing operational costs.
- Operate in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
- Hold adequate insurance coverage to operate.
- Be able to confirm that their proposal is not currently being funded by another funding stream.
Grant amount: Between £10,000 and £25,000 are available.
Projects must be completed by 31 March 2025.
It is intended for funding amounts to be issued to successful applicants on a milestone basis.
Application process: Only one application will be accepted per organisation.
Full details, including the online application form, can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Deadline: Friday 22 November 2024, (12 noon)
Contact information: Email: contact@maps.org.uk
Website: Debt Advice Modernisation Fund 2024/25 - GOV-UK Find a grant