MP Bob Seely is encouraging charities to bid for a share of a £15 million fund to support projects which directly benefit disadvantaged women and girls, tackle violence and support their mental health and wellbeing.
The fund – known as the Tampon Tax Fund which comes entirely from foregone VAT receipts on women’s sanitary products – enables larger charities and foundations to apply for grants of £1 million or more to be distributed via their networks to support women and girls and to organisations that offer small and medium- sized onward grants.
While the UK was a member of the European Union, VAT on these products could not fall below 5 per cent. However, the Chancellor has now confirmed that this tax will end in January 2021, following Britain’s withdrawal from the EU. In the meantime, VAT raised will be awarded to women’s health charities rather than be returned to the Treasury.
Minister for Civil Society, Baroness Barran, said “I am delighted that over the life of the Tampon Tax Fund we have been able to provide £62 million worth of grants to more than 70 charities working to help disadvantaged women and girls.
“I urge charities to bid for this funding that will not only continue to support women most in need, but help organisations to become more sustainable so they can plan for the future.”
Bob said: “Many large charities operate branches and projects on the Island. I would urge these to look at the funding opportunities and lobby their organisations to invest in their local work.”
Grants may be for one or two-year projects, and all activities must be concluded and funds spent by 30 June 2022.
Charities can find out more information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tampon-tax-fund-application-form-2020-2021-funding-round.
The deadline for applications is 7 June 2020.