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Laughology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy and Strategy

Posted in No Category.

Date:: 2024-06-04 07:23

Laughology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy and Strategy

Laughology is committed to creating happy workplaces and communities.  Part of our commitment is to continually review and develop our DEI and ESG policies and practices.  Please read about what we are committed to below.

Introduction
Laughology is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our organisation and in the communities we serve. Embracing DEI not only enriches our corporate culture but also strengthens our business and the wider society. Our DEI strategy outlines how we recruit and retain diverse talent, support underrepresented communities through our Happiness Fund(*) and it’s core objectives of Building 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 for all and set industry standards in equitable practices. We focus on disability inclusion, actively partnering with organisations like RNIB to support cultural development and provide materials that are accessible to those with dyslexia and partial sight. Additionally, Laughology is dedicated to upholding the Modern Slavery Act 2015, ensuring that our operations and supply chains are free from modern slavery and human trafficking.  (*https://www.laughology.co.uk/no-category/the-happiness-fund-2)

Vision
To lead positive change in DEI at Laughology and the organisations we support through innovative initiatives and practices, driving change and promoting happiness through inclusion and leveraging diversity as a source of innovation and strength.

Mission
To integrate DEI into all aspects of our operations and outreach, ensuring every Laughology team member and community member feels valued and supported.

Strategic Objectives

  1. Diverse Recruitment and Retention
    • Increase ethnic group representation in our workforce from 22% to 44% by 2028.
    • Continue partnerships with platforms like Elimu to connect young people from underrepresented groups with career opportunities, aiming to bridge the racial wealth gap.
    • Implement bias-free recruitment practices and offer continuous professional development focused on DEI.
  2. Inclusive Culture and Community Support
    • Expand the Happiness Fund initiatives to support more disadvantaged communities, enhancing their access to education and employment opportunities. https://www.laughology.co.uk/no-category/the-happiness-fund-2
    • Collaborate with other organisations to amplify our impact on DEI, sharing resources and best practices.
    • Organise workshops and events that celebrate and educate on diversity, ensuring all voices are heard and appreciated.
  3. Equitable Opportunities
    • Maintain transparency in promotion and pay processes to ensure fairness and equity.
    • Pay SME’s and freelancers where possible within 14 days of invoicing and all companies within 28 days.
    • Support women in leadership: 61% of our team are women, with 60% in senior positions; continue to nurture female leadership in our own organisation and others and aim to balance gender representation across all levels.
    • Launch and lead initiatives like the menopause programme with West Midlands Police, setting benchmarks for support systems in workplaces. https://www.laughology.co.uk/laughology-case-studies/menopause-awareness-with-west-midlands-police-case-study-2
  4. Compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015
    • Ensure all aspects of our business are free from modern slavery and human trafficking.
    • Request our supply chains to provide business practices to ensure compliance with the modern salvery act 2015.

Implementation Plan

  • DEI Committee: Establish a dedicated DEI committee to oversee the strategy implementation, comprising members from various departments.
  • Training and Awareness: Regular DEI training for all staff, focusing on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership, as well as training on modern slavery awareness.
  • Regular Audits: Conduct annual DEI and modern slavery compliance audits to assess progress against goals and refine strategies as needed. 

Laughology ESG Policy & Strategy

Introduction Laughology is committed to supporting a sustainable future through comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Our strategy focuses on minimizing our environmental impact, enhancing community engagement, and promoting responsible governance practices. This document outlines key initiatives and goals that align with our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Environmental Initiatives

  1. Going Paperless:
    • Objective: Reduce paper use across all operations to minimise environmental impact.
    • Actions:
      • Implement digital tools and platforms for internal and external communications, reports, and training materials. Internal and external by end 2025
      • Encourage digital-only documentation policies with partners and suppliers.
    • Goal: Achieve a 90% reduction in paper use by 2025.
  2. Sustainable Travel:
    • Objective: Decrease carbon emissions related to business travel.
    • Actions:
      • Promote the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking for local engagements.
      • Invest in carbon offset programs to counteract emissions from essential long-distance travel.
      • Utilize virtual meeting technologies to reduce the need for travel.
    • Goal: Reduce travel-related carbon emissions by 50% by 2025.

Social Initiatives

  1. The Happiness Fund: https://www.laughology.co.uk/no-category/the-happiness-fund-2
    • Objective: Enhance community well-being through targeted support and initiatives.
    • Actions:
      • Allocate funds and resources to support educational and developmental projects that promote happiness and well-being in communities.
      • Engage employees in volunteer activities and community service, aligning with our core values of happiness and well-being.
    • Goal: Support a minimum of 2 community projects each year and increase this to 4 by 2026 and increase employee participation in volunteer activities by 20% annually.

Governance Practices

  1. Transparency and Accountability:
    • Objective: Uphold high standards of integrity and transparency in all business dealings.
    • Actions:
      • Regularly review and update ESG goals and communicate progress in annual sustainability reports.
      • Ensure all business practices are in compliance with national and international laws and regulations.
    • Goal: Maintain full compliance with ESG reporting standards and achieve third-party ESG certification by 2026.

 

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Happiness fund thank you

Posted in No Category.

Date:: 2024-01-26 10:07

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FUNDNG APPLICATION

You will receive confirmation of your application by email in the next few minutes. Please check your junk or spam folder if you can't see it in your email.

Important dates:

  • Notification of a successful initial application: 4th-8th Nov *
  • Interviews for successful applicants: 14th Nov
  • Winner announced: 20th Dec

* If you haven't heard anything by 8th November, unfortunately, your application was unsuccessful on this occasion, but good luck with your project.

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  • Created on .

Motivation

Posted in No Category.

Date:: 2023-12-21 10:42

SOME MORNINGS, WAYNE FROM ACCOUNTS COULDN'T EVEN BE BOTHERED REMOVING THE CHICKEN FROM HIS HEAD

Picture a worker submerged in the doldrums of low motivation, especially in today's UK workplaces, where continuous change has become the norm. They trudge through their day at a snail's pace, avoiding tasks, with their phone as a constant distraction. The most striking attribute? Their distinct lack of focus, their energy for work utterly extinguished.

On the flip side, motivated employees are the lifeblood of productivity, sparking innovation, and serving as catalysts for inspiration. The real challenge for HR leaders and managers lies in maintaining this momentum.

SAVE WAYNE FROM THE SCOURGE OF POULTRY-THEMED HEADWEAR

Contact Laughology...Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit

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Here are four tell-tale signs of a demotivated employee:

  • Behavioural changes
  • Lack of engagement in team activities.
  • Reduced work output.
  • Increased absenteeism.

So what can HR leaders do?

  • 48% of employees want an at-work experience where their voices are heard and work is more than a job
  • 51% want more clearly defined goals
  • 45% want more support to be able to grow their careers

How do we keep our teams consistently motivated?

It's a question that demands an answer beyond the realm of routine employee engagement surveys and ping pong tables in the canteen. Motivation should be seen as an ongoing commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, where the contributions of each individual are not just recognised but celebrated. Ultimately, prioritising employee motivation isn't just a strategy; it's the cornerstone of driving both success and transformative change. Getting this right is absolutely crucial.

Companies  should pay attention to employees who are not motivated. When employees aren't engaged, they don't work as well, and they might leave the company. Keeping employees happy and interested in their work is key to a successful business. Itmeans less employee turnover and keeping talent in the business. Want reasons to care look no further than Amazon and Yahoo as big examples.

The perpetual cycle of change organisations now do can lead to 'change fatigue,' a very real phenomenon where employees feel overwhelmed and demoralized by constant shifts in their work environment. This can significantly impact team motivation and in turn hitting crucial milestones.

A surprising Gallup report reveals that only 15% of workers globally are truly engaged in their job. Why is this alarming trend so prevalent?  A major factor is feeling stuck.  Many employees wary of the economic climate, fear of leaving their job, turning them into unhappy and sometimes vocal employees dragging their teams down with them.

Yet, amidst this challenging landscape, there is a beacon of hope. Recognizing the importance of support for teams and individuals with strategies to counteract change fatigue and rekindle motivation do help.

Things you can do:

  1. Frequent Feedback: Regular feedback means voices are heard and ideas can be taken forward. You don’t have to act on everything, that’s not possible but doing a few things and explaining why you can’t do others helps.  Feedback also helps with clarity for everyone and supports positive recognition which can significantly boost team motivation. 
  1. Promote Progression: share stories of advancement and create opportnites for skill and self development. Offering workshops that are focused on developing skills for career development can reinvigorate employee motivation. 
  1. Be a Guide: A leader's influence on team morale and productivity is paramount. Helping managers and leaders know how to have great conversations that support individuals, set gaols that feel achievable and set direction helps everyone feel motivated – the old saying that people leave jobs not managers is true.

 

Help your team find their oomph and support managers to support their teams. 

FINDING YOUR OOMPH - GET YOUR MOTIVATION AND DRIVE BACK

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FLIP-It THINKING SKILLS - BUILD RESILIENCE AND POSITIVITY INTO YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANISATION

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WORKPLACE GROWTH MINDSET

Read more

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Posted in No Category.

Date:: 2023-04-28 12:11

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

APPLY NOW…

Applications re-open 5th May 2023.

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

Funding news

Continue reading

  • Created on .

The Happiness Fund (Test page)

Posted in No Category.

Date:: 2024-01-11 09:33

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

The successful applicant for the last funding award will be annnounced on 24th January.

APPLY NOW…

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

Funding news

Continue reading

  • Created on .

The Happiness Fund

Posted in No Category.

Applications closed

This funding round is now over. We will publish new funding dates shortly.

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

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

    2nd Sept

  • Applications close

    4th Oct

  • Notification of a successful initial application

    4th - 8th Nov*

  • Interviews for successful applicants

    14th Nov

  • Winner announced

    20th Dec

* If you haven’t heard anything by 8th November, unfortunately your application was unsuccessful on this occasion but good luck with your project.

Due to the high volume of applications received we are unable to give feedback.

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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