Sport can have a significant and measurable impact on people’s lives. Recognising the positive impact rugby union and its values can have on individuals and communities, Comic Relief and England Rugby are working in partnership to deliver the Try for Change Fund. 
In 2016, England Rugby partnered with Sport Relief to launch the Try for Change Fund which is a fully managed fund by Comic Relief. Try for Change uses the power of rugby union to improve and support the lives of disadvantaged people in England and around the world. Over four years, £4 million will be raised by England Rugby and distributed in partnership with Comic Relief though the Try for Change Fund to projects using rugby for social change.
Through the large grants programme, Comic Relief and England Rugby are looking to fund projects which will have a significant and lasting impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in England. Organisations which use rugby union, its values or the rugby community to tackle some of the biggest issues facing society are invited to apply for a grant of up to £100,000.
Try for Change aims to help people reach their goals and fulfil their potential, whilst delivering long-term benefits to the wider community. Proposals to the large grants programme must demonstrate wider social outcomes and not just focus on increasing participation in rugby. Proposals must therefore work towards at least one of the following Try for Change outcomes:
1. Increase community cohesion or social integration
2. Improve educational attainment
3. Increase employability
4. Reduce involvement in gangs and/or reduce the risk of re-offending
5. Improve mental and physical health
Projects working with the most vulnerable and marginalised groups will be prioritised. As well as existing rugby for change programmes, Comic Relief and England Rugby are looking to fund new and innovative approaches from organisations who demonstrate the ability and capacity to add rugby to their programmes.
Applicants can apply for a grant of up to £100,000 for work delivered over 2-3 years. The minimum grant size is £25,000. The grant must be greater than 25% of the total project cost.
For further information and to apply, visit: www.comicrelief.com/apply-for-grants/open-grants-initiatives/try-change-large-grants-programme
Deadline: Monday 2 October 2017, 12:00