# Balance Charitable Foundation announces initial grantmaking focus

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2005/03/22/balance-charitable-foundation-announces-initial-grantmaking-focus/
- Published: 2005-03-22T00:00:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Balance Charitable Foundation, the unclaimed financial assets charity, will 
initially focus its grant making on providing assistance to disadvantaged and vulnerable
older people, particularly over the age of 75.
The Balance Charitable Foundation(
for Unclaimed Assets) was established in December 2003 and works in partnership 
with financial institutions to release the unclaimed assets they hold and to transfer
those funds to benefit society by making grants to relevant charities.

Following consultation with leading charities, the over-75’s have been identified
as a priority for the first two years, not only because of the well documented need
of support by large sections of the UK’s ageing population but also because the 
BCF’s funds will come partly from assets unclaimed by older people or the deceased.

The Foundation’s grant-making programme will encourage innovation and new approaches,
with grants made over a longer period of time than is common in the charitable sector.

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In addition to funding practical support projects, the Foundation says that it will
separately consider supporting other work which also combats disadvantage, for example
child poverty, debt counselling, and volunteering. The BCF intends to lead a national
initiative on one of these issues to which financial institutions will be encouraged
to contribute as partners, both in expertise as members of the steering group, as
well as through funding. The Foundation will consult with the voluntary sector and
with financial institutions about this.

The exact level of funds available is not yet clear, but the Foundation expects 
to award its first round of grants at the end of 2005, with two further rounds in
2006. Each grant will be for £50,000 up to a ceiling figure shortly to be agreed
by the trustees.

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