The Department of Health has published details of the Investment Programme for third sector organisations working in areas which are the responsibility of the Health Service and local councils.

The document helps third sector organisation decide if this funding stream is applicable to both their organisation and the proposed activity for which they are seeking funding. It sets out the funding themes for 2009-10, the priority areas for each theme and the criteria to be used for assessing applications. A timetable is provided for the whole process from application through to decision.

The programme will be developed over time as more funding schemes in the Department are brought into the framework. For 2009-10 the third sector investment programme will include the Innovation Excellence and Service Development Fund and the Strategic Partner Programme. From 2010-11 the programme will also include a new volunteering investment fund, that builds on the existing Opportunities for Volunteering Scheme.

To qualify for a grant, organisations must be carrying out activities that involve providing a service similar to that provided by the NHS or by local authority social services, or promoting, publicising or providing advice about a service.

The publication is available from DH. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_086328