Funding to promote blood and organ donation among BAME communities
New funding totalling £600,000 has been announced as part of the Government’s commitment to tackle health inequalities. The funding aims to address the shortage of organs for those waiting for a transplant from all BAME backgrounds, and the lack of Black blood donors whose blood is used to treat conditions like sickle cell disease.
The Community Investment Scheme, which is run by NHS Blood and Transplant, will fund community and/or faith/belief organisations to drive awareness, understanding and behaviour change.
About the Community Investment Scheme
Having previously focussed solely on promoting organ donation after death, in the scheme’s third year NHS Blood and Transplant is now looking for applications that will engage diverse communities on the issue of blood donation too.
Types of funding
The funding available through the scheme has increased to reflect this, with an estimated total of £600,000 available.
Organisations will be able to apply for one of three funding bands:
- up to £2,499
- between £2,500 - £10,000
- between £10,001 and £20,000
This year, as part of the scheme, NHS Blood and Transplant is also launching the Community Engagement Leads initiative. This will work in conjunction with key community-based organisations across England to create grassroot networks to promote organ and blood donation.
Now more than ever, the impact of COVID-19 is making innovative approaches to community engagement essential. NHS Blood and Transplant is requesting that applicants demonstrate consideration of the current uncertainty around COVID-19. Applications focused on a digital delivery are encouraged, while digital contingency planning will be expected for any face-to-face work.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said:
“This new funding will help organisations carry out vital work within local BAME communities by opening up and informing the conversation about organ and blood donation.
“Often a person’s best donor match will share their ethnicity, but too many donation opportunities are missed because families aren’t discussing the subject.
“We know when it comes to organ donation, these conversations save lives, which is why it is so important to help individuals make an informed decision and talk about it with their families.”
Get involved
We are asking more people from BAME communities to find out about both blood and organ donation and help us to address the health inequalities that many members of these communities may face. By giving your support you can help save lives.
Applications should be submitted by 5pm on the 2nd December 2020. Projects will need to be completed by the 1st October 2022.
