Application Journey

How the Application Process Works
BAPU Foundation provides financial support for programmes and initiatives that align with our mission and Strategic Focus Areas and have the potential to create meaningful and lasting benefit for vulnerable and often overlooked older adults.

The level and duration of support are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature and scale of the proposed work, the identified need and the Foundation’s available resources. Where appropriate, continued support may be considered following review of progress, outcomes and ongoing alignment.

Initial partnership enquiries may be invited throughout the year or during specific funding periods announced by the Foundation. The first step is a brief initial enquiry rather than a full application. This allows us to understand the organisation, the need being addressed and whether there may be a strong fit before requesting more detailed information.

Submitting an initial enquiry does not guarantee an invitation to apply or an offer of funding.

Application Steps

01

Review Our Priorities & Criteria

Before contacting us, organisations should review:

  • Who We Support
  • Who We Partner With
  • What We Do Not Fund
  • Our Strategic Focus Areas
  • This helps ensure that the proposed work is closely aligned with our mission and funding approach.
02

Submit a Brief Initial Enquiry

The initial enquiry should provide only the essential information, including:

  • Organisation name and location
  • Registration or legal status
  • Website or other public information
  • A brief description of the organisation
  • The older adults supported
  • The need being addressed
  • The proposed activity
  • The relevant Strategic Focus Area
  • The approximate amount and period of support requested
  • Why the organisation believes there may be a strong fit with BAPU Foundation

Submitting an enquiry does not guarantee an invitation to apply or an offer of support.

03

Initial Review & Conversation

We review each enquiry for alignment, relevance, feasibility and potential fit.

Where appropriate, we may arrange a conversation to better understand the organisation, the local context and the proposed work.

Not every enquiry will progress to the next stage.

04

Due Diligence & Invited Proposal

Organisations that appear to be a strong fit may be invited to provide more detailed information.

This may include:

  • Registration and governing documents
  • Trustee or board details
  • Recent accounts or financial statements
  • Organisational and project budgets
  • Safeguarding policies
  • References
  • Monitoring or evaluation information
  • A fuller project plan

The information requested will be proportionate to the nature and scale of the proposed partnership.

05

Decision & Partnership Agreement

We consider the full information provided and decide whether to proceed.

Where support is approved, BAPU Foundation and the partner organisation will agree:

  • The purpose and scope of the support
  • The budget and payment arrangements
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Safeguarding requirements
  • Communication and visibility
  • Reporting expectations
  • Learning and review arrangements

Support is only confirmed once a formal agreement has been completed.

06

Delivery, Communication & Shared Learning

During the partnership, we remain in contact with the organisation, review progress and discuss any challenges or changes that arise.

Reporting should be proportionate to the scale and nature of the support. We value both credible evidence and the experiences of older adults, families, caregivers and communities.

The aim is not only to understand what has been achieved, but also to learn together and strengthen future work.

Every application is considered as the beginning of a potential partnership — one grounded in shared values, open communication and a commitment to improving later life.