St Stephen’s Green Trust (SSGT) has opened its multiannual Family Matters Grant Programme (2022-2025), with an aim to contribute to improving the system of support for families affected by convictions and imprisonment to improve rehabilitation and resettlement outcomes. Evidence shows that prisoners who manage to maintain family bonds whilst in prison have significantly reduced reoffending risks upon release. Families cannot bear this burden alone and should be supported in this role. SSGT acknowledges family relationships are complex and systems should take account of the best interests of both the family and the prisoner.
SSGT does not fund service provision but can fund initiatives which add value to existing services through embedding family-centred approaches. We welcome initiatives which complement the service delivery of an organisation, for example by supporting participants with advocacy initiatives which contribute to the specified outcomes. The initiative might also build on service provision outputs to develop work which contributes to the programme outcomes. The initiatives should be rooted in the current context with the focus on systems change and a learning approach embedded from the start. The organisation needs to be clear how the work contributes to, and be engaged in, advocacy for policy and systems change.
More information about the grant programme is on our website here. Application is through an on-line process and please read the guidelines carefully – here – before submitting an Expression of Interest. The guidelines show the questions asked in the online process. The deadline for receipt of applications is Thurs 15th Sept 2022.