FUNDING FOCUS – CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN FOUNDATION

Young People Now
November 22, 2006

What’s it all about? The UK branch of this major Anglo-Portuguese
Trust, now entering its 51st year, has announced its four themes for
2007. Calouste Gulbenkian, by the way, was an Armenian Turk who made
money in the oil industry, before retiring to Portugal in the 1940s.

What does it fund? In 2007, the four priority areas are arts,
education, social change and welfare and Anglo-Portuguese cultural
relations. Under the education theme, there will be specific support
for youth organisations wishing to initiate projects aimed at fostering
better relations between young people from different cultures and
faiths. Other priorities include citizenship work in secondary schools,
by schools or partner bodies, that promotes understanding and empathy
between students of different cultural backgrounds. The arts programme
is mainly for professional artists or organisations doing innovative
and experimental work in public spaces. The social welfare programme
will support ‘radical, experimental but well thought through’
projects promoting financial inclusion, environmental awareness
among disadvantaged groups and supporting older people in their
communities. Check the ‘advice to applicants’ leaflet – there is a
long list of things the foundation won’t support, including building
work, drug or alcohol work, sport, conferences or religious activities.

Who can apply? Generally, it funds proposals from ‘charities or
otherwise tax-exempt’ groups. As a rule, the foundation supports
projects that are original in their field and favours those outside
London.

How much is available? There is a notional limit of pounds 15,000.

Application process: Trustees meet to consider proposals three times
a year in March, July and November. Grant proposals will need to be
submitted at least two months in advance of each meeting. There is
no standard application form so apply in writing – ‘succinctness is
welcomed’ – to Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, UK Branch, 98 Portland
Place, WIB 1ET. Full details of eligibility and application procedures
are available on