What will it fund? Basically, the grants are for doing the same things that the NHS or local authority social services do. Some grants contribute to core costs of organisations but the main programme is for national projects. This covers work of potential national significance in one of the department's priority areas for 2007-08. Several of these focus on older people but there are a couple of broad categories that include young people - including the "child health and maternity" heading that will look to support innovative national projects for children and young people suffering "harm and ill health" or with "complex health needs", and projects that promote mental and psychological wellbeing and access to age-appropriate services. Other categories include "health improvement", which covers the development of preventive programmes in areas such as alcohol, smoking, drugs, sexual health, obesity and "helping children and young people lead healthy lives".
Who can apply? Voluntary sector, non-profit making organisations in England. Similar schemes operate in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
How much is available? There's no maximum or minimum amount. Last year the department made 118 new grants of an average of 40,000 a year. The overall value of the scheme last year was 17.2m.
Application procedure: All applications must be made online. Once you have ensured you are eligible you will need to register on a Section 64 database. Then you will get a password and user number that will enable you to develop an online application. Initial applications can be made between 26 June and 28 July 2006. Successful groups will be contacted at the beginning of September and invited to make a second-stage application by 13 October. Visit www.dh.gov.uk/section64 for more information.
