In 2020 Voice4Change England (V4CE) opened a Covid-19 grants programme for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community groups and organisations, working to deliver Covid-19 services in England and helping to tackle the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities. There were three possible sections to apply within: delivering Covid-19 services, mental health services and sports activities to tackle BAME inequalities. All grant awards were in the region of £5-10K. 881 applications were received from BAME led organisations of which 111 were approved including one from Insight Society.

We delivered a project that was funded by Sport England via Sports Birmingham. It provided visually impaired women with the opportunity to take part in different team and individual sports. The project created many new challenges for the participants. It encouraged the women who took part with valuable regular exercise.

The main activities that Insight Society arranged for this project included Football, Cricket, Goalball, Netball, Golf, Swimming and County Walks etc. 

NB: Goalball is similar to football but the ball has a bell insider so visually impaired participants know where it is on the pitch.

Insight Society has carried out many successful projects through ESF funds  supporting blind and partially sighted people with training and employment opportunities.  We have supported many Service Users by helping them to develop their CV’s and with job search. We have also trained them to use different ways of looking for jobs. This included applying for jobs online after we had helped them to improve their IT skills, normally also using computer screens readers. 

The Anti-Tribalism Movement isn’t as well-known as our other funders, especially outside London.  They are a non-profit organisation committed to tackling tribalism and promoting fairer and more equitable societies. The ATM’s vision and track record are based on a cohesive and dynamic society where every person’s rights are protected regardless of tribe, clan, gender, or political belief. ATM has a reputation for being fair, visionary, and trustworthy. We have credibility with the wider BAME community (particularly those of East African origin).

The MSE Charity gives grants to UK not for profit organisations that deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money. It is mainly funded by the TV celebrity, Martin Lewis who was very generous to voluntary organisations during the Covid-19 emergency. We successfully applied for a grant from the MSE Charity under their “Raising the Next Generation” Programme. This aimed to build financial capability skills for those young people (aged up to 25) who need to develop them most to live more successful lives. 

Between December 2020 and May 2021 we are delivered a project that was designed to help visually impaired women to improve their financial literacy and money management skills. It was made possible by a grant from the Covid-19 Frontline Women’s Fund. This is jointly financed by the Smallwood Trust and the Lottery Community Fund. We were delighted to be working with the Smallwood Trust because they have been helping women on low incomes since 1886, which is more than 130 years ago.