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THE HAPPINESS FUND  – putting the fun into funding.

We fund grassroots, neighbourhood-based community projects throughout the UK.

The Happiness Fund is available to enable and support projects which improve mental health, wellbeing, inclusion, learning and skills development in local communities. Ultimately it creates happier people and neighbourhoods. It’s like if Holly Willoughby was in charge of SpongeBob SquarePant’s

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED.

Our Happiness Fund: 3 Top Tips for a Successful Application

We’re looking forward to receiving your Happiness Fund application, but there are three important things we want to see when you apply. In this short video, Laughology CEO and Head of the Happiness Fund, Stephanie Davies, gives her top tips for what to include!

New funding dates 2024

  • Applications open:
    29th January
  • Applications close:
    29th February
  • Notification of a successful initial application:
    5th April *
  • Interviews for successful applicants:
    11th April
  • Winner announced:
    24th May
* If you haven’t heard anything by 5th April, unfortunately your application was unsuccessful on this occasion but good luck with your project.

Objectives and outcomes

To build happy, strong, resilient communities by supporting grassroots, not-for-profit projects that enable sustainable outcomes in:

  • Mental health Wellbeing & happiness
  • Inclusion
  • Learning and skills development

The fund is intended to help new groups and activities, to be successful. Applicants will need to indicate how the activity/group can become self-sustaining or able to attract funding from other sources in the longer term. 

The fund will award £5,000 twice a year - allowing up to two different projects/ charities or CIC’s per year to apply.  You cannot re-apply if you have won funding from the Happiness fund in the last 24 months



Who should and who should not apply?

To apply for the fund your project must be: 

  • Based in your local community.
  • Non-profit
  • Non-political
  • Focused on longevity. 

Applications will not be considered for:

  • Large national charities
  • One-off events such as Christmas meals, day trips etc.
  • Paying salaries, accommodation or rent (renovations will be considered)
  • Individuals: The fund does not provide funding for individuals
  • Medical treatments or research: The fund does not provide funding for medical treatments or research.
  • Schools and Universities (an independent project set up by the school that does not access school funding may apply)
  • Personal development courses: The fund will not provide funding for personal development courses or activities.
  • Retroactive funding: The fund will not provide retroactive funding for expenses already incurred.
  • Projects outside the UK: The fund only supports projects and initiatives that take place within the United Kingdom

Guidance notes

  • The funding available is £5,000 per project.
  • All funding will be one-off and non-recurring. However, organisations can still apply to this fund for another purpose e.g., to start up a different club or activity.
  • Funding can only be deposited into a bank account in the project/group name, no personal accounts.
  • Groups/projects must be able to provide clear evidence of how the fund was used (receipts, invoices etc)
  • Organisations cannot be involved in the decision-making panel at which their application is being considered.
  • Each project lead will be expected to submit a short proforma report with photographic evidence to the panel but monitoring of the funds will be ‘light touch'.
  • These reports will provide information on how the money was spent, what impact the funding has made, feedback from the people taking part, how the project is being sustained (where successful) etc.
  • The project should provide regular updates (blogs, articles, images) which Laughology can use on its website and social media to promote the project (Laughology has final edit over content)

Funding stages

Stage one - Qualifying round:

Stage one - Qualifying round:  This is a series of questions that let us know if you meet the requirements for the funding application.  If you do not fit the criteria your application will not be processed.   In this part of the application, we need to understand and confirm: 

  • Your project, CIC or charity is not-for-profit.  We also need to confirm that it is not part of, or linked to another subsidiary company or project that is for-profit with monies going to the for-profit company or project.
  • A separate bank account or money account registered in the name of the project/ CIC or charity
  • The funding application is for a specific part of project development or to buy specific things (please see what we will not fund)
  • You have not had funding in the last 12 months of £50,000 or more.

All answers and information will be verified and checked. Successful applicants will be asked to send proof of information and official identification should they get to stage two.  If any unlawful or untruthful practices are identified, the application will be dismissed immediately and if necessary, reported to the police or other regulatory authorities.  Furthermore, the applicant will not be able to apply for any further Happiness funding.   

You will receive an automated response at this stage stating whether you meet the criteria to complete the application. 

Stage two: Detailed Application

This part of the form is a chance for you to tell and sell your project.  We want to see a breakdown of costs, how the funding will be used and information on how the need was identified.  We are looking for applications that show specific research, interviews, and information from and with the community you are hoping to impact.  Further information on how the funding is going to benefit the community and how they will be involved in any future planning and design will be requested here. 

Your application must also show how the project will be sustained in the long term.  This may include other funding sources you have access to, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, training and education, engagement in partnerships with other organisations, local authorities as well as other community projects.

Further details will be asked next about who your project will benefit

Your form will now be processed, and you will hear back from the Happiness Fund team based on the timescales stated.

Stage three: Interview stage

This part of the form is a chance for you to tell and sell your project.  We want to see a breakdown of costs, how the funding will be used and information on how the need was identified.  We are looking for applications that show specific research, interviews, and information from and with the community you are hoping to impact.  Further information on how the funding is going to benefit the community and how they will be involved in any future planning and design will be requested here. 

Your application must also show how the project will be sustained in the long term.  This may include other funding sources you have access to, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, training and education, engagement in partnerships with other organisations, local authorities as well as other community projects.

Further details will be asked next about who your project will benefit

Your form will now be processed, and you will hear back from the Happiness Fund team based on the timescales stated.

Please carefully read the application stages below that detail what we need from you at each stage.  Once you have read the below, please open the application and start.  The application form has been created to ensure fairness by creating fixed answers in certain parts and a set word count where there is free flow text.  We cannot send completed applications back to people and therefore we suggest saving information separately you would like to keep . 

Here are some helpful steps to review for applying for the Happiness Fund:

  • Read the stages for application. 
  • Read the guidelines carefully to ensure that your project or initiative meets the eligibility criteria.
  • Complete the application form. It consists of several sections, including an overview of the project, its objectives, and expected outcomes. You will also need to provide details about your organisation and the team involved in the project.
  • Think about budget and funding. You will need to provide a detailed budget for your project, including all expenses and expected income. The Laughology Happiness Fund can provide funding of up to £5,000 per project.
  • Collate any community research. Community research is a key factor in the selection process, so be sure to include details and evidence of how your project will engage with and benefit the local community.
  • Once you have completed the application form, submit it through the Laughology website. Be sure to double-check the information before submitting.
  • The Laughology team will review your application and may request additional information or clarification. If your application is successful, you will receive notification via email and be invited to complete a project report after completion of your initiative.

    Please carefully read the application stages below then open the application and start. 

Use of your materials

By applying for the Fund, you agree for details of your organisation and application to be used for PR purposes in Laughology media material, including press releases and social media posts. If you do not agree, please contact us at stephw@laughology.co.uk

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You can call us on 0844 800 1701, or use this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.