About Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope

Grant Making Policy

1. Purpose of the Policy

This policy outlines the principles and procedures followed by Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope when awarding grants. It ensures that all grants are made in line with the charity’s objectives and values, and with appropriate due diligence and governance.

Grant checks and due diligence measures will vary depending on the nature of the application. More robust checks will be applied to overseas grants to comply with HMRC and Charity Commission guidance.

2. Charitable Purpose and Eligibility

Grants will only be made for projects and activities that are exclusively charitable and fall within our charitable objectives:

“The prevention or relief of poverty, primarily but not exclusively in the UK, by providing grants, items, and services to individuals in need and/or to charities or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.”

We define poverty as the lack of access to the basic necessities of life that are generally considered necessary for a modest but adequate standard of living. These may include clean water, food, shelter, clothing, access to education, and healthcare.

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • Foodbanks and emergency aid services

  • Access to education, training, and employment support

  • Basic health and medical support

  • Financial relief for individuals or families in crisis

3. Promotion and Accessibility

We actively seek to make our grant programmes accessible to those in need. Promotion may include:

  • Our website and partner platforms

  • Local newspapers, town or religious newsletters

  • Posters in community centres, libraries, clinics, or places of worship

  • Social media channels and relevant online groups

  • Referrals from agencies such as social services, GPs, or schools

We are committed to making information accessible for people with disabilities or language needs.

4. Funding Criteria

Applications must:

  • Fall within the charity’s objectives

  • Meet our due diligence requirements

  • Align with our ethical values

Eligible applicants include:

  • Registered charities with at least two trustees and charitable aims

  • Government or statutory agencies where services are not adequately funded

  • Other organisations with a clearly defined charitable purpose (subject to Charity Commission guidance)

5. Application Review

Applications are reviewed based on merit, urgency, and available funds. Trustees prioritise support for:

  • Children and young people

  • People with disabilities or long-term health conditions

  • Marginalised or socially excluded groups

Applications must clearly demonstrate:

  • Need and impact

  • Budget and value for money

  • Compliance with relevant legislation and good practice

6. Sector-Specific Requirements

Education & Training

  • Accreditation and recognition of training bodies

  • Trainer qualifications

  • Evidence of demand and benefit

  • Delivery methods and expected outcomes

Health Services

  • Regulatory/licensing evidence

  • Qualified health personnel

  • Target beneficiaries and cost-free service access

  • Service effectiveness based on reputable research

7. Grants to Individuals

Grants may support one-off needs such as:

  • Basic furniture, household items, or clothing

  • Utility bills or essential repairs

  • Health or education expenses (especially in Nigeria)

Applicants may be asked for:

  • Income/expenditure breakdown

  • Supporting documents (invoices, referrals, etc.)

  • Receipts and follow-up confirmation

Where appropriate, payments may be made directly to suppliers.

8. Grants to Organisations

Required documentation includes:

  • Constitution and governance structure

  • Audited or management accounts

  • Ethical declarations (e.g., no recent legal or regulatory violations)

  • Use of funds declaration (no bribes or related-party payments)

  • Licenses, registrations, and insurance documents

  • Safeguarding and Health & Safety policies

  • Evidence of robust financial and project management

Assets created with grants must not be disposed of without trustee approval.

9. Overseas Grants

Applicants must confirm:

  • Strong anti-bribery and corruption controls

  • Lawful use of funds

  • Compliance with The Bribery Act 2010

  • Local legitimacy and appropriate governance

10. Submission of Applications

Applications must be submitted on our official application form and may include additional documents such as:

  • Project plans or proposals

  • Budget breakdowns

  • Letters of support or endorsements

11. Due Diligence and Checks

Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope will carry out sufficient checks to ensure:

  • The identity and credibility of the applicant

  • Appropriate and legal use of funds

  • Alignment with the charity’s values

  • No connection to extremist or illegal activity

12. Decision-Making

Applications are reviewed by the Board of Trustees. Grant awards are at their discretion and are final. Successful applicants will be asked to:

  • Sign a grant agreement

  • Provide reports on the use and impact of funds

  • Return any unused funds

13. Data Protection

Applicants’ data will be processed in accordance with the charity’s GDPR policy. It will be held securely, only used for the purpose of the grant, and destroyed when no longer needed.

 

Approved by:

Blessing Olalemi: May 30th

Kerry- Ann Batten: May 29

John Olalemi: May 30th

 

Last reviewed: May 30th 2025 | Next review: June 2026