The Sir John Middlemore Trust have told us that they have grant funding available and want local organisations to apply to them.

The Trust was found in 1872 (as Middlemore Emigration Homes and then Middlemore Homes) and the founder,  John Middlemore, worked tirelessly during his lifetime to improve the life chances of the poorest children living in and around Birmingham.  Until March 2012 the organisation continued to help children and families in crisis by providing targeted family support.  After that date the Trust stopped being operational and focused its activities on providing grants for organisations working with disadvantaged children. It prefers to support registered charities/CIC’s but will consider non-profit organisations providing they have a constitution and produce accounts.

Grants are available of up to £3,000 for projects that are of direct benefit to disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 or with a disability under the age of 25.  Preference is given to projects based in Birmingham and the West Midlands Region.

The Trust will not fund salaries/facilitators/youth workers fees, support costs or general running costs. In the past it has given money for equipment, summer projects, trips and residentials, refurbishment and training for young people (but not youth workers).

There are four funding rounds each year held in March, June, September and December, and the deadline for the next funding round is 27th February.

Grant application forms and grant criteria can be obtained by e-mailing office@middlemore.org.uk.