BIG scheme to find funding solutions

In a climate where the majority of reports focus on the financial difficulties older people find themselves in, BIG England is looking at four more new funding streams for its older people grants programme.

To help with this, a group of 50 stakeholders were brought together in a series of “Big Insights” events to brainstorm funding priorities and structure.

One of the schemes is the introduction of a cause-specific funding stream for older people by the end of the financial year 2011. Starting with a value of £10 million, it is expected to grow up to a value of £50 million after 2013 and even more as time passes.

At the heart of this scheme is director Dhamendra Kanani’s drive to create schemes for funding growth. According to CivilSociety, Mr Kanani said: “We want to co-produce an investment opportunity around older people.”

Stakeholders who were approached to help the decision-making process include charities, umbrella bodies, and older people themselves. The new scheme represents a radical focus on what can be done to alleviate the funding crisis older people are experiencing. Much of this is a complete change from the funder’s previous thinking on the subject.

In recognition of the crisis and the important role it can play to make the lives of many older people easier, BIG is focused on stakeholder input for ideas on achieving growth for its proposed income streams.

BIG research has identified neglect and isolation as two major factors that influence the quality of life older people are experiencing, in addition to pension funds that fall far short to meet even their basic needs.

One of the main aims of the group is therefore to prioritize these related issues, along with funding aims, to help older people construct a better life for themselves.

Perhaps these schemes will offer some inspiration to those who habitually complain without attempting to find practical solutions.

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