Special Initiatives Programme

This funding stream aims to support:

a. Gaps - Work which is proactively addressing gaps within one of ABCT’s strategic priorities;

b. Opportunities - Work which is taking forward ABCT’s strategy/ the sector forward in some way;

c. Exceptional circumstances – Often urgent requests and emergency response proposals.

This is an invitation strand of funding, any open programme eligible application should be made via the open programme application page.

The team consider requests under this stream through a variety of ways. Predominantly these are requests made directly by organisations, or initiatives flagged by existing partners or other funders, as well as proactive work. Requests can also come via our mail@abcharitabletrust.org.uk account.

For requests which are received which would not be eligible for our open programme, the team have a weekly meeting to discuss fit with our strategy.

• Once a request is received, you may be asked to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. The EOI forms are the basis of discussion at the weekly requests meeting (deadline rolling).

• If during this meeting, a decision is made to decline the request, you will be informed immediately.
• If the application is an in-principle fit – you will be asked to submit a full proposal for funding. This proposal will be considered during a quarterly shortlisting meeting (timelines below).
• The deadline for this submission will be decided between you and the team member managing your request. However, please bear in mind that shortlisting meetings take place early March, June, September and December and proposals will be required at least three weeks in advance to be considered.
• During this shortlisting meeting requests are considered alongside budget, strategy and capacity and a certain number are progressed for final decision. Scope for grants in this strand of funding are limited, with around 10 proposals per quarter.

The majority of final decisions for applications up to £40,000 per annum are delegated to the AB Charitable Trust Director and Head of Programmes, with a small number going to AB Charitable Trust’s Grants Committee.

For grants over £40,000 all decisions are made by AB Charitable Trust’s Board. Board meetings take place quarterly, in January, April, July and October.

Depending when the request comes to the team, and when a proposal can be submitted, decisions on Special Initiative requests can take up to 6-months for a final decision.

Delegated Authority

For smaller, and/or urgent requests we do have limited scope for quicker decision making – this is for a very small amount of funding, predominantly for amounts under £5,000. We aim to turn these around within 1-month, and there is a simplified and light touch process.