1. We are looking to support activities in England by innovative organisations and programmes that:

  • are able to demonstrate that the benefits of their proposals will be in England only.
  • are passionate about the opportunity that ‘intensive volunteering placements’ can bring to their work, and are interested in developing an innovative new approach
  • can demonstrate a commitment to mobilising the time and talents of at least 100 people to carry out at least 150 hours high impact volunteering over an intense period (e.g. full time over a 2-3 months period, or 3 days a week over a 4 months period)
  • have a track record in mobilising the time and talents of volunteers (this doesn’t necessarily have to be older volunteers)
  • can demonstrate that they have appropriate networks or channels to reach out to people approaching, or who are already, retired.
  • have a clearly identified priority outcome(s) and a persuasive case of why mobilising the time and talents of people over 50 in intensive placements will make a difference to this outcome. (e.g improving primary school literacy, supporting older people to remain at home and independent etc.)
  • have staff already in place to lead this work (rather than relying on new appointments) so you can hit the ground running
  • have a commitment to being part of a fast-paced and creative innovation process, and are supported by a competent management team who are open to challenge and support.
  • have a commitment to measuring their ongoing performance and progress against our Standards of Evidence.

2. We are interested in mobilising the time and talents of people aged 50+ and programme funding should exclusively or predominantly be in pursuit of this goal. We recognise that there may be benefits to wider groups (aged under 50+) who may also be involved in the social action initiatives of the programme or organisation, but this cannot be the primary purpose of the work.

3. Nesta can only fund projects which advance our charitable objects for public benefit. We may impose conditions and restrictions on private benefit and profit derived from our funding. In particular, if you are a for profit business, we may require you to make technology developed using the grant freely available, to reinvest profits from commercial exploitation back into your project to deliver greater public benefit, or to return a share of profits to Nesta. If you have any questions about this, please contact us on [email protected].

4. We can support incorporated entities and unincorporated associations with formal membership structures, but not individuals.

5. A number of organisations can apply together, but one must act as lead and take responsibility for the others.

6. Nesta can only fund projects which advance our charitable objects for public benefit. We may impose conditions and restrictions on private benefit and profit derived from our funding.

7. As the Give More Get More Fund is financed by the Office of Civil Society, grants will come from public funds and must not be used in a way that constitutes unapprovable State Aid.

8. While applicants can be established in any part of the UK, the benefits of their proposals should be in England only.

9. We cannot fund innovations which are party political, or which support or promote religious activity, and can only fund limited paid for marketing or advertising.