Cost of Living Crisis Fund

Small Steps Big Changes (SSBC) is a £45m programme, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund's 10-year ‘A Better Start’ funding programme designed to improve the lives of Nottingham’s young children.  The SSBC programme covers the areas of Aspley, Bulwell, Hyson Green & Arboretum and St Ann’s and seeks to deliver successful child development outcomes and give every child the best start in life.  Working with our partners we offer activities for every 0-4-year-old child living within our four wards.

In response to the current Cost of Living Crisis, SSBC in partnership with Nottinghamshire Community Foundation, are now seeking applications for funding to support community groups within the SSBC wards. 

What can it be used for?
Examples of the types of projects that could be funded include community groups and organisations that have seen an increase in demand, have had to reduce their offer, or are struggling financially due to increasing costs.

We are looking for community groups that  will help us achieve our goals:

•    Eat well and be healthy, including support for organisations working toward reducing child food poverty
•    Have good communication and language development
•    Be confident, friendly and understand their emotions and behaviour, as well as mental health support
•    Engagement in the community 
•    SSBC are particularly keen to see applications from smaller voluntary and community organisations that are working with those most vulnerable and disproportionately affected by the increased cost of living

The Fund is also used to support our commitment to make sure parents and families have an equal voice in decision-making for the SSBC programme.

Who can apply?
The fund is open to:

•    Local voluntary and community organisations 

How much is available?
The total fund is £50,000 

We will offer individual one-off awards of up to £3,000

Applications open on 12th June and close on 31st July 2023. Scroll down for a link to the application portal.

Additional funding could be available in 2024 if there is an available budget

What are the rules?
We welcome applications from organisations and groups that meet the following requirements:

• Activities must be delivered within at least one of the SSBC wards – Aspley, Bulwell, Hyson Green & Arboretum, and St Ann’s.
• Activities must be restricted to children and/or expectant parents 
• Eligible children will be aged from 0 to 5 years
• Activities must contribute to at least one of the SSBC outcomes or be focused on increasing the engagement of local people in the SSBC Programme
• Activities must not duplicate the current SSBC Programme activity
• Activities must be able to incorporate evaluation
• Your planned approach should align with the SSBC brand and values

Submit your application here.

If you have any questions please email: [email protected]