InterACTION

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 (49.6 per cent increase) by mid-2047. In contrast, the number of children and young people is projected to decrease and, for the first time, the number of people aged 65 and older will overtake the number of children.

Unfortunately, as the older population is growing, communities are becoming increasingly segregated by age, with little opportunity for meaningful connections between children and older people outside their own family.

This lack of interaction makes it harder for children to learn from older people’s accumulated life wisdom and develop life skills such as patience, empathy and self-control. The reduced contact also increases the likelihood children will develop negative attitudes and stereotypes toward older adults based on prejudices and incorrect assumptions.

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 InterACTION 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.

The InterACTION funding is intended to promote opportunities for primary school pupils to explore and develop relationships with older people in their community – including those living in care homes and independently. Opportunities include both one off events and longer running programmes that extend over the academic year.

Initiatives that may be supported include

• A pen pal letter writing project, sharing life stories or reading buddies
• Intergenerational creative workshops and music events
• Food and horticulture projects
• Themed learning projects such as exploring maths through old money, remembering travel/holiday memories, and practicing favourite childhood rhymes, poems, and songs.

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 primary schools with an interest in developing and maintaining strong community networks.

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 experience. 
• Project Outline
• Number of beneficiaries anticipated
• Impact expected (for both younger participants and older people)
• Value for Money

Applications for grants of up to £4,000 are invited.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon Tuesday 20^th May 2025.

Applications should be made by email to grants@lftcharitabletrust.com

Eligibility

LFT welcomes applications from prospective Grant Partners that meet the following criteria:-

• Projects must involve both primary school aged children and older people (65+ years)
• 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.
• Project delivery to occur in the academic year 2025/26.

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.