This briefing summarises what GMCVO have heard from members about the value of the Greater Manchester Funders Forum in supporting them to work through and respond to the challenges of the pandemic in 2020, and what we hear they need from a regional forum going forward.

Belong has released their report, 'Beyond Us and Them: Societal Cohesion in Britain Through Eighteen Months of COVID-19', which is part of their project studying the effects of the pandemic on social cohesion.

Friday, 28th January
Online

This open session is an ideal opportunitty for anyone who has not yet attended one of these meetings and is interested in finding out what others are doing around research in the VCSE sector.

GM Health and Social Care Partnership are looking for good news stories about managing demand, innovation in practice and working as a system in relation to winter pressures. They are keen to ensure the VCSE sector is represented and are encouraging organisations to share examples of their work. This may include work supporting hospital discharges, admission avoidance, crisis support and other examples.

GMCA is working in partnership with Operation Black Vote to deliver a leadership and development programme aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of people experiencing racial inequalities within civic and public life. The Civic Leadership Programme is looking for people over the age of 18 (with an emphasis on 18-30 year olds) who live or work in Greater Manchester and want to gain experience in civic and public life and make a positive contribution to their areas and communities.

Closing date for applications is 31st January.

The Greater Manchester Youth Combined Authority is an inclusive body of young people from different youth organisations from across Greater Manchester. Member organisations serve a two-year term, and the Mayor is now seeking applications from youth organisations who are keen to get involved and become members.

Closing date for applications is 21st January.

GMCVO are supporting the Greater Manchester Local Access Programme Partnership Board to appoint an Independent Chair who can lead the board through the first two years of the development of a programme that aims to grow the social economy in Greater Manchester.

Closing date for applications is 7th January.

Clean Air Greater Manchester's Financial Support Scheme is now open for applications from Greater Manchester-registered heavy goods vehicle (HGV) owners who could be affected by the introduction of the Clean Air Zone.

Other eligible vehicle applications with follow later this month.

Up to £25,000 of match funding is available for charities that are working to improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged or underrepresented women and girls in England and Scotland.

Closing date for applications is 11th January.

Grants up to £10,000 are available to help organisations provide facilities such as cycle parking to enable employees and the general public to cycle more in their daily lives. 

Application deadline is 31st January.

Grants up to £1200 are being offered to grass roots dementia carers organisations to help them bounce back from the pandemic,

Closing date for applications is 21st January.

A consultation by The Ministry of Justice on improving victims’ experiences of the justice system is now open. Responses are particularly welcomed from victims of crime, organisations representing victims, the police, criminal justice practitioners, service providers, health care professionals, Police and Crime Commissioners, local authorities and community safety partnerships. 

Deadline for responses is 3rd February

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) are keen to learn about the issues affecting businesses and self-employed people in the Foundational Economy. To do this, the GMCA is undertaking a short piece of research activity looking to engage those who both run, and work in, businesses in Social Care and Early Years, Retail, and the Hospitality and Leisure sectors to participate in a 1-hour focus group session to help design the right policies and support. Participants will be offered up to £40 in online shopping vouchers for their time.

If you would like to take part, please register your interest by 10th January.