Blue Light Card Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £500,000+ (as of March 2024)
• Success Rate: Highly competitive (receives far more applications than funds available)
• Decision Time: 6 weeks from quarterly deadline
• Grant Range: Up to £25,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide

Contact Details

• Website: www.bluelightcardfoundation.org
• Email: contact@bluelightcardfoundation.org
• Phone: 03003732523
• Communications: communications@bluelightcardfoundation.org

Overview

The Blue Light Card Foundation was established in 2022 (registered charity number 1198492) to support the wellbeing of the UK's Blue Light community—emergency services, NHS, Armed Forces, and social care workers. Since launching grant-making in March 2023, the Foundation has awarded over £500,000 to 26 projects across the UK by its first anniversary. The charity aims to raise up to £1 million annually to fund programs that provide life-enhancing support and experiences. The Foundation focuses on building mental health resilience through proactive, preventative measures, funding initiatives from nature-based programs and mental health training to facility improvements and peer support services. Applications are decided quarterly by a Board of Trustees with deep connections to Blue Light services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Standard Grants: Up to £25,000 for running costs, projects, or equipment
• Application Method: Quarterly deadlines with online application form
• Decision Process: Initial screening, shortlisting, detailed assessment, and trustee decision within 6 weeks of deadline

Priority Areas

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Building mental health resilience through proactive, preventative measures
• Projects that help Blue Light community members maintain and manage wellness
• Direct support for recovery and therapeutic interventions
• Mental health training programs (e.g., TRIM training)
• 24/7 crisis lines and hotlines

Nature-Based Programs

• Outdoor retreats and wilderness experiences
• Bushcraft and woodland management courses
• Walking initiatives and physical activity programs
• Sailing and adventure therapy

Peer Support and Community Building

• Walk and talk initiatives led by operational staff
• Support groups and peer-led programs
• Projects fostering collaboration across multiple Blue Light services

Workplace Wellbeing

• Renovating wellbeing spaces and break rooms
• On-site facilities for staff and volunteers
• Massage therapy and complementary wellness sessions

Innovative Support Services

• Support dogs for services beyond police
• Breathwork and cold water immersion courses
• Non-contact boxing and physical wellness programs
• Talking therapies for veterans and families

What They Don't Fund

• Public bodies' statutory obligations
• Past activities (all funded activity must take place after approval)
• Religious or political promotion
• Grant-making organizations
• Sponsorships or marketing activities
• Organizations under regulatory investigation
• Projects that don't directly benefit Blue Light community staff or volunteers

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Governance and Leadership

CEO

Emma Woods-Bolger brings extensive nonprofit sector experience with a personal family connection to Blue Light roles. She stated: "Being the CEO of an organisation that supports these roles allows me to honour and continue my family's legacy." On the Foundation's mission, she has emphasized: “Every day, emergency service workers face immense emotional and psychological challenges” and highlighted their programs are “designed to help those who serve our communities cope with the emotional and mental challenges of their demanding roles.”

Key Staff

• Grahame Killey, Grants Officer: 25+ years in program management with expertise in distributing community grants and strategic planning
• Tammy Angus, Fundraising Manager: Over a decade of fundraising experience in health and social care
• Sarah Bradwick, Operations Officer: Public sector background supporting administrative systems
• Sarah Robb, Marketing Manager: Experience in brand strategy and mental health advocacy

Board of Trustees

• Karen Hodgson (Chair): Associate Director for The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales; founded The Royal Foundation's Emergency Responder Programme; former police detective
• Steve Denny & Tom Dalby (Co-founders): Founded Blue Light Card in 2008; Steve is an ex-Police Officer
• Gareth Whitehead: Partner at St James's Place wealth management (Honorary Secretary)
• Robin Clegg: Tax partner
• Katie Pavoni: Registered Paramedic, Associate Professor, and Course Director for BSc in Paramedic Science at City, St George's, University of London (appointed 2025)
• David Crews: Station Commander for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service; active member of the National Fire Chiefs Council Mental Health and Wellbeing Board (appointed 2025)

No trustees receive remuneration from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your organization meets the structural requirements and benefits the Blue Light community
2. Complete Online Application: Submit application form via the Foundation's website
3. Initial Screening: Foundation team assesses whether applications meet basic criteria
4. Shortlisting: Suitable applications are shortlisted for detailed review (shortlisting does not guarantee success)
5. Assessment: Detailed evaluation of shortlisted applications
6. Trustee Decision: Board makes final funding decisions
7. Notification: Applicants informed of outcomes within 6 weeks of deadline

Application Schedule: Quarterly deadlines (specific dates available on website)

Organizational Requirements

Eligible organizations must be:

• Registered charities, charitable companies, Charitable Incorporated Organizations (CIO), or Community Interest Companies (CIC)
• Have a bank account with two unrelated signatories
• Have minimum of three unrelated Trustees (or three directors for CIC/CIO with majority non-employees)
• Maintain appropriate insurance, risk assessments, and safeguarding policies
• Provide audited or inspected accounts

Eligible Blue Light Services

The Foundation supports current or former staff and volunteers from: Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Police, NHS, HM Armed Forces, HM Coastguard, Search and Rescue, Social Care, plus 20+ additional specific emergency and care services.

Decision Timeline

• From Deadline to Decision: 6 weeks
• Total Process: Quarterly cycles mean planning 2-3 months ahead recommended
• Activity Start: All funded activity must take place after receiving approval notification

Success Rates

The Foundation receives far more applications than available funding allows, making competition very high. By March 2024, the Foundation had awarded grants to 26 projects, though the total number of applications received is not publicly disclosed. Even applications meeting all criteria may be declined due to oversubscription.

Reapplication Policy

The Board of Trustees is not obliged to provide explanations for unsuccessful applications. Specific reapplication policies or waiting periods are not publicly stated; unsuccessful applicants should contact the Foundation directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Multi-Service Collaboration: The Foundation explicitly prioritizes “applications for projects that support individuals across multiple Blue Light services, fostering collaboration and shared learning.” If your project serves police, fire, ambulance, and NHS staff together, emphasize this prominently.

Sustainability Planning: “Initiatives that include clear, well-developed plans for continuing the work beyond the life of the grant will also be prioritised.” Demonstrate how the project will continue after funding ends.

Preventative Focus: The Foundation emphasizes “proactive, preventative measures to help members of the Blue Light community maintain their mental health and wellbeing” rather than purely reactive interventions.

Building Resilience: Projects should “equip individuals with the tools and strategies needed to stay well” with clear outcomes around resilience-building.

Examples of Funded Projects

• The Cart Shed Charity: Days in the Woods initiative for mental health challenges
• Mind Over Mountains: Nature-guided mental health support for emergency responders
• The Fire Fighters Charity: New 24/7 Crisis Line service
• Frank Bruno Foundation: Mental health workshops and non-contact boxing sessions for social care staff
• OK9: Support dogs for services outside police
• Wonderful Life Academy: Mental health and wellbeing workshops
• Saint Catherine's Hospice: Wellbeing initiatives including Qi Gong sessions
• Mary Stevens Hospice: New break room and changing facilities
• Your North: Wellbeing toolkit days and residential retreats
• Veterans in Action: Veteran-built Land Rover Defender Campervan project

Foundation Language and Terminology

The Foundation consistently uses:

• “Blue Light community” (not just “emergency services”)
• “Wellbeing” and “mental health resilience”
• “Life-enhancing support and experiences”
• “Building resilience” and “proactive, preventative measures”
• “Emotional and psychological challenges of demanding roles”

Process Tips

• Complete Applications: Applications failing to meet basic criteria are rejected at initial screening stage
• Demonstrate Direct Benefit: Clearly articulate how Blue Light community members (current or former staff/volunteers) will benefit
• Match Funding Welcomed: While not required, projects with match funding in place are welcomed, particularly for large grants
• Plan Activity Timing: Remember all activity must occur after receiving approval, so build appropriate timelines into your proposal

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Target multi-service projects: Applications supporting multiple Blue Light services (police, fire, ambulance, NHS, social care) are explicitly prioritized—if your project can demonstrate cross-service impact, emphasize this prominently
• Sustainability is critical: Develop and articulate a clear plan for how the project will continue beyond the grant period; this is a stated priority for the Foundation
• Focus on prevention, not just intervention: Frame projects around building resilience and maintaining wellbeing proactively rather than purely reactive crisis support
• Competition is intense: With over £500,000 awarded to just 26 projects and far more applications received than funding available, applications must be exceptionally strong and aligned with priorities
• Quarterly planning essential: With 6-week decision timelines and quarterly deadlines, plan at least 2-3 months ahead and ensure all activity is scheduled post-approval
• Strong governance required: The Foundation has strict organizational requirements (three unrelated trustees, appropriate policies, audited accounts)—ensure your organization meets all structural criteria before applying
• Use Foundation language: Mirror terminology like “building mental health resilience,” “proactive preventative measures,” and “life-enhancing support” in your application

References

• Blue Light Card Foundation official website: https://bluelightcardfoundation.org/ (accessed 15 October 2025)
• Grant Process page: https://bluelightcardfoundation.org/grant-process/ (accessed 15 October 2025)
• Find Funding page: https://bluelightcardfoundation.org/find-funding/ (accessed 15 October 2025)
• Eligibility page: https://bluelightcardfoundation.org/eligibility/ (accessed 15 October 2025)
• Meet the Team page: https://bluelightcardfoundation.org/meet-the-team/ (accessed 15 October 2025)
• Funded Projects page: https://bluelightcardfoundation.org/funded-projects/ (accessed 15 October 2025)
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5196507 (accessed 15 October 2025)
• Blue Light Card announcement: https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/bluelightcardnewsdetails.php?id=2af997a0-c94a-11ed-81aa-7b7bf36d74d5 (accessed 15 October 2025)
• Emergency Services Times (trustee appointments): https://emergencyservicestimes.com/2025/09/10/blue-light-card-foundation-appoints-two-new-trustees/ (accessed 15 October 2025)
• The Blue Light Show partnership announcement: https://www.bluelight.show/news-item/the-blue-light-show-announces-partnership-with-blue-light-card-and-blue-light-card-foundation (accessed 15 October 2025)