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Thousands of women and girls set to benefit from
fund before tampon tax ends
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Organisations supporting women and girls can
apply for a share of £15 million
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To date more than £62 million of VAT on sanitary
products has gone to good causes
Charities across the nation can apply for grants to fund
projects which directly benefit disadvantaged women and
girls, tackle violence and support their mental health and
wellbeing.
As in previous years, larger charities and foundations will
be able to apply for grants of £1 million or more. We
expect these to then be distributed through their networks
to support women and girls and to organisations that offer
small and medium- sized onward grants.
In addition this year, applicants are able to use part of
their grant funding to improve organisational
sustainability.
The Tampon Tax Fund comes entirely from VAT receipts on
women’s sanitary products.
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.
Minister for Civil Society, , 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.
Minister for Civil Society recently visited
Castleford Tigers Women’s Rugby League to see the benefits
of the Tampon Tax Fund, which awarded £8,073 through the UK
Community Foundation.
Their programme, ‘Cats, Tigers, Women and Girls Development
Pathway’, runs training sessions for girls and uses the
power of sport to improve players’ confidence, develop
teamwork and communication skills, and improve health and
wellbeing.
Organisations must be able to deliver impact in their
chosen category across multiple regions in England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Applications are
welcomed from individual organisations, or groups with an
identified lead organisation.
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. The
deadline for applications is 7 June 2020.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The funding round being announced today is to allocate
funds from the financial year 2019/20.
