Individuals in need must react to fundamental changes in funding environment

The economic recession and the UK's slow recovery since have changed the way individuals must approach trusts for grants to relieve personal hardship, according to Catriona Chronnell author of the new edition of The Guide to Grants
for Individuals in Need.

Catriona says "Trusts have been hit in three key ways and as a result many have had to make changes to their grant-making strategy. They are experiencing their own financial difficulties, often as a result of reductions in their investment
income; statutory funding has been cut, hitting many local services; and there are more individuals experiencing financial hardship."

Although difficult to quantify, it was apparent from our research that there was a fall in the level of grant-making from trusts. We have also seen lower average grant levels, a tightening of eligibility criteria, and prioritisation of the
type of grant given."

Individuals need to change the way they apply - Catriona offers four key principles to meet this changed environment:

- Ensure you check the latest trust criteria before applying, as many have changed

- Be open & honest when applying - complete application forms fully being as
clear and open as possible (similarly with application letters)

- Don't just apply to large well known trusts - more applications are being
made, and these trusts already get the most, so look for others you may be
eligible for

- Apply to all appropriate trusts - falling average grants may mean asking for
smaller amounts from more trusts.

Despite these changes, Catriona was at pains to stress that there remains a significant amount of money out there - £264 million from the 2,060 trusts detailed in the new book.

The Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need 2011/12 offers full advice on how to approach trusts, with information on eligibility, types of grants, exclusions, annual, grant totals and application process.

The Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need 2011/12 (12th edition) by Catriona Chronnell, is published by the Directory of Social Change (DSC). The Guide provides a comprehensive list of sources of non-statutory help and other support available for the relief of individual poverty and hardship.

The guide is available for £75.00 from the website HERE