The final round (Round 11) of Time to Shine Small Funds is now open for applications, closing on Thursday 16 May.

The Small Funds are managed by Leeds Community Foundation, and full details of how to apply are available on their website.

Community groups, charities, social enterprises or other charitable organisations from the third sector can apply for £5,000-£10,000 to support community-based, one-year projects that older people in Leeds, who are most susceptible to the adverse effects loneliness and isolation, can get involved with.

Leeds Community Foundation has £45,000 to allocate in this final round. It aims to distribute funds to successful applicants by early July 2019. Funding allocated should be spent within 12 months of receipt.

To date, 50 Time to Shine Small Funds projects have been funded, bringing a variety of approaches to engage with isolated, lonely older people. Examples of previously funded projects include accessible transport schemes to ensure independence and engagement; befriending projects including supporting older isolated people living with dementia; increased social connections and skill building through shared interests (radio broadcasting, cooking, arts and craft); out-of-hours or intergenerational activity.

Please consider applying with your ideas on the best ways to address isolation and loneliness in older people aged 50+ who you support.