Enriching Lives
Context
In mid-2022, the number of people aged 65 and over in Northern Ireland was estimated to be 335,400 and is projected to increase to 501,700 by mid-2047. In contrast the number of children and young people is projected to decrease and the number of people aged 65 and older will overtake the number of children for the first time.
Astonishingly, as the older population is growing, communities are becoming increasingly segregated by age, with little opportunity for meaningful connections between younger and older people.
The shortage of opportunities for interaction increases the likelihood that young people will develop negative attitudes and stereotypes toward older adults based on prejudices and incorrect assumptions. The lack of contact also makes it harder for young people to learn from older people’s accumulated life wisdom and develop life skills.
The benefits of inter-generational activity aren’t just limited to younger participants – older adults report that spending time with children and teens positively impacts their self-esteem and social skills, contributes to emotional and overall health and well-being, and enables them to feel connected to their community.
About Us
LFT Charitable Trust is a Belfast based family foundation offering small grants and support.
Our priority is to fund partner organisations which make a lasting difference to people’s lives; focus on reducing isolation, inequality and stigma; and inspire and empower individuals to realise their potential and share in the life of the whole community.
Objective of the Enriching Lives Grantmaking Programme
The aim of this LFT Grant making Programme is to support programmes and initiatives which bring different generations together to engage in meaningful, mutually beneficial activities which encourage greater understanding and respect and contribute to greater community connectedness and cohesion.
This funding is intended to promote opportunities for sustained engagement between the same participants over a period of time and facilitate the development of relationships rather than one off events.
Initiatives that may be supported include
- educational programmes learning new skills together or sharing skills between the generations
- intergenerational health & wellbeing initiatives
- the co-design and development of local history or cultural projects
- social/recreational programmes such as befriending or the establishment of a community choir
Lots more ideas and useful resources are available from Generations Working Together, Beth Johnson Foundation and Linking Generations NI.
Application Process
Applications are welcomed from youth organisations with strong community networks and experience in delivering community service.
To apply, applicants should download an application form here.
As with all funders, it is likely that demand will exceed available funds and so this will be a competitive process. Criteria used to assess applications will include:
- Previous relevant experience.
- Project Outline
- Number of beneficiaries anticipated
- Approach to evaluation with preference given to applications that propose the use of validated tools such as WEMWBS, Rosenberg Scale etc
- Impact expected (for both younger participants and older people)
- Value for Money
Applications for grants of up to £7,000 are invited.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon Thursday 29th April 2025.
Applications should be made by email to grants@lftcharitabletrust.com
Eligibility
- Projects must involve both young people (aged 14-25 years) and older people (65+ years)
- Only applications from registered charities will be considered.
- Only activity taking place in Northern Ireland will be considered.
- Only expenditure incurred for the purposes of the project and that can be directly attributed to the expected outputs/outcomes will be eligible.
- Financial commitments are envisaged from 1st June 2025 with a requirement to commence project delivery within three months of receipt of a letter of offer.
- Project delivery should not exceed 12 months.
Reporting & Evaluation
LFT welcome the opportunity to visit the project during the delivery period and will seek an impact report from funded projects on completion of the project.
Enquiries at any stage of the application process are welcomed by the Secretariat. Grantmaking decisions are made by LFT Board of Trustees.