David West Trust upcoming deadline

Proteus NI have announced that the deadline for applications to the David West Trust is Tuesday 30 June 2009.

The David West Trust offers individuals the chance to apply for grants of up to £500 to assist them with personal or professional development in the following broad categories:

Categories for 2009:

1. Disability (focusing in particular on rheumatoid arthritis)
2. Cancer
3. Carers
4. Individuals facing social exclusion (on the basis of homelessness, sexuality or ethnicity)

Grants could cover a range of items including, fees for education/training purposes, travel, respite breaks for individuals providing care and purchase of books or a piece of equipment. This list is not exhaustive, and the Trust will consider applications for other items, as long as the application relates to one of the above 4 categories, and that a good case is made to support it. All they ask is that applicants are able to show that there will be some improvement to their lives from the grant, and that they let us know what they did with the grant. Depending on the level of interest, they may need to interview applicants before reaching final decisions and they hope to give out 6 grants in 2009.

Criteria

Some guidelines and criteria woirth noting regarding applying to the David West Trust is that

• Grants are intended for individuals, not groups
• Applications should be for one category only, and at least one category must be selected.
• Applicants or individuals being nominated must reside in Northern Ireland
• Grants are not retrospective
• In the case of computer hardware or other large equipment, the Trust may decide to purchase these items on behalf of successful applicants, in order to ensure value for money.
• Grants will be for one year only, and successful applicants may not reapply.
• The Trust awards are discretionary, and decisions are final. There is no right to appeal.

If you are interested in applying, full details and application forms can be obtained by contacting 028 9037 1023 or emailing deirdre.mccoy@proteus-ni.org.

Alternatively, if you know someone who you feel would be deserving of an award, but might be reluctant to apply themselves, you can apply on their behalf. Nominations from locally-based groups on behalf of individuals are also accepted.

Applications should be returned by 30 June 2009 at the latest.

Please return a hard copy to:

PROTEUS (NI) Ltd
Unit 27 North City Business Centre
2 Duncairn Gardens
Belfast, BT15 2GG