GSK Community Health programme

Running alongside the GSK IMPACT Awards, this programme supports small charities tackling health inequalities in their communities. It is open to registered charities that are at least a year old, located and working in the UK. Up to 10 charities will receive up to £10,000 plus access to training and development valued at £5,000.

Health inequalities are avoidable and systematic differences that include access to health care, quality and experience of care, life expectancy, and wider factors such as environment and housing. There are stark gaps in health between the least and most deprived areas in the UK, with the cost-of-living squeeze and rising poverty also impacting many people’s health.

A considerable amount of work tackling health inequalities is carried out by very small charities working with their communities. These organisations can find it hard to access unrestricted funding and support for their leaders, particularly in the current economic climate.

Organisations led by and supporting the most disadvantaged communities – such as those supporting ethnic minority communities, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and others – are particularly encouraged to apply for this programme.

The GSK Community Health programme will support aspirational leaders to develop their organisations to tackle health inequalities. It is designed to run alongside the GSK IMPACT Awards and support the next generation of award winners. We know from our long history with the GSK IMPACT Awards that the combination of funding and leadership support can make a real difference and help a charity realise its ambitions.  

Funding
Up to 10 organisations will receive up to £10,000 in unrestricted funding.

The leadership programme
The charities offered funding will be invited to attend an online leadership programme. Up to 10 places are available, valued at £5,000 a place. The programme will be delivered by The King’s Fund and provide participants with the opportunity to develop their capability and confidence to lead both operationally and strategically. Taking part in the programme will require time and commitment, and it may not be right for everyone.

The leadership programme is designed to help leaders of small charities build the confidence, skills and relationships needed to lead effectively in challenging contexts. It will support participants to strengthen their leadership practice, build resilience, lead people and partnerships well, and take a more strategic and sustainable approach to increasing their organisation’s impact. Participants will be expected to bring openness, curiosity and a willingness to challenge their thinking, reflect on and develop their leadership practice, and collaborate with others to build a supportive learning community. In return, they will gain practical tools, fresh perspectives and the support of a trusted peer learning community.