Thank you to everyone who nominated their team for our first community grant scheme. We have been overwhelmed by the number of applications and the thought, passion and care that went into them.
Reading through the applications has shown just how much having a space to connect and decompress at work really matters.
Our team faced the challenging task of selecting twenty projects to go forward to the public vote. To ensure a fair and equal opportunity, our team carefully considered service type, region, and country when reviewing applications. This approach helped create a shortlist that represents a mix of wellbeing spaces and activities, supports a wide range of services, and reaches different geographic areas across the UK.
CEO Emma Woods-Bolger said:
“It’s been inspiring to see applications from across the UK and from such a broad range of Blue Light community services. The ideas put forward demonstrate just how valuable this fund is for workplace wellbeing.”
Now it is over to you!
Between 5pm Friday, 19th September and 5pm Friday, 10th October, you can vote for your favourite project.
We know how important it is for blue light workers to feel supported, connected, and valued in the workplace. That’s why we’re launching our very first Community Grant scheme offering £2,000 to 10 blue light teams to help boost wellbeing where it matters most: on shift, on station, or at base.
Whether it’s refreshing a staff room, funding a series of yoga or mindfulness sessions, or simply stocking a snack drawer, if it makes a positive impact on your team’s wellbeing, we want to hear about it.
How it works:
What you need to know:
*Please note funding cannot be used for in-house training.
The fund is open for applications by individuals or teams who are currently working in a blue light role.
You must be applying on behalf of a team, unit or workplace group, not as an individual for personal use.
Services classes as the Blue Light Community
The fund is open for applications by individuals or teams who are currently working in a blue light role.
You must be applying on behalf of a team, unit or workplace group, not as an individual for personal use.
The fund is designed to support wellbeing in the workplace for blue light teams. That could include:
– Refreshing a staff rest room or common space
– Setting up a wellbeing initiative (e.g. yoga or mindfulness sessions)
– Stocking a snack drawer or hydration station
– Creating a quiet zone or garden area
– Organising team-building or morale-boosting activities
If it helps your team feel healthier, more connected or more supported at work, it’s in scope.
To make sure funding is used in the spirit of the grant, we won’t be able to support:
– In-house or professional development training (e.g. mandatory CPD or workplace courses)
– Activities or equipment for individual use only
– Standard operating costs or salaries
– Anything that may be considered commercial, political, or religious promotion
If you’re unsure whether your idea fits, please feel free to contact us before applying.
Applications open on Monday 28 July and will be accepted via our website.
You’ll need to tell us:
– What your idea is
– How it will support your team’s wellbeing
– Who it will benefit
– What the £2,000 will be used for
You’ll also be asked to upload a team photo and share your idea in a short sentence for the voting stage, if shortlisted.
You do! After the Blue Light Card Foundation team shortlists 20 applications, the final winners will be chosen through a public vote on our website.
Successful teams will receive a fund letter and payment via bank transfer to an authorised bank account for your Organisation or Charity.
Yes, we’ll ask all fund recipients to share:
– A short impact summary
– A couple of photos or videos showing the difference the fund has made
– A simple budget breakdown
We’ll use this to celebrate the impact of the fund and inspire future applicants.
You can reach us at contact@bluelightcardfoundation.org, we’re happy to help!