Vision Fund grants: March 2021 – Vision Foundation
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Vision Fund grants: March 2021

The Vision Foundation is proud to announce the roll-out of more than £260,000 across London with seven grants spanning £9,500 to £50,000 going to local projects.

These range from an innovative podcast production project aiming to give visually impaired people the confidence, skills and experience for a career in broadcasting, to a targeted employment programme for young blind and partially sighted people to help them secure meaningful full time paid work.

Projects were assessed by the Vision Foundation’s Grants and Impact Advisory Committee made up of members of London’s visually impaired community. Applications were evaluated against set criteria including the level of impact on the lives of people living with or facing sight loss, the measurable need for the project, and the ongoing or wider benefit beyond the end of the grant. Funding recommendations also considered a good geographic spread across London; included a variety of project types; and supported a range of age groups.

Olivia Curno, Chief Executive of the Vision Foundation, said of the grants:

“This exciting round of Vision Foundation grants will enable seven unique projects which will enhance the lives of blind and partially sighted people across the capital. The Vision Foundation supports projects that reflect the real issues impacting blind and partially sighted people. We’re so grateful for the hard work and commitment of passionate community champions who we know will unlock the opportunity this funding brings. I congratulate each of the successful organisations and look forward to seeing these brilliant ideas come to life.”

Darren Barker, Vision Foundation Trustee and Chair of the Grants and Impact Advisory Committee said:

“The pandemic has had a huge impact on the visually impaired community over the past year and we believe each of the innovative projects we have chosen has the potential to be a catalyst for wider change. The Vision Foundation plays a critical role as a kick-starter for initiatives that wouldn’t get support elsewhere.”

Disability Advice Service Lambeth (dasl) will work with 50 visually impaired people from across London, over two years, to develop their radio and podcasting skills. The grant covers the costs of a coordinator to lead and develop the project, provide technical support to develop training and support with editing and production, plus funding to purchase voice recorders and microphone equipment.

Abs Tripp, Community Development Team Leader at Disability Advice Service Lambeth said:

“This grant from the Vision Foundation will make a huge difference to the community we serve. Podcasting provides a unique opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to share their lives and experiences with the world, gain experience and technical knowledge while building their confidence and resilience.”

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) will provide bespoke, 1-2-1 employment support to young blind and partially sighted people living in London (aged 16-25). Activities will focus on soft and practical skills development and increasing knowledge of the job market. The Vision Foundation funding will cover the costs of an Employment Support Adviser, recruitment of participants, staff travel and monitoring & evaluation of the project.

Sue Sharp, Deputy Chief Executive at the Royal Society for Blind Children said:

“Employment rates for blind and partially sighted people continue to be shockingly low. This project funded by the Vision Foundation will boost young peoples’ opportunities and help them get that ever important first step on the career ladder.”

To read the press release and the full list of successful projects please see below:

Vision-Fund_Press-Release_March_2021

 

Coverage on this allocation of Vision Fund grants can be seen on the Charity Today website.