We are excited to launch the second funding round of the Baby Bank Alliance Development Fund, providing financial grants directly to our baby bank members.  

We know that access to funding is a big challenge for all baby banks, particularly in the context of the cost-of-living crisis and increasing demand for your support.  This unrestricted funding aims to lighten some of these pressures and allow you to deliver more impact for families in your community.  

The Development Fund is made up of donations from organisations including Morgan Stanley, IKEA and Amazon as well as trusts, corporate partners and major donor funders secured by incubating partners Purposeful Ventures and Save the Children. 

The Development Fund grants will be administered by Save the Children, and so we are required to put specific due diligence processes in place to ensure that we fulfil our duty to manage charity funds.  Applications will open on Monday 28^th April 2025.  

Key Dates

We are aiming to award grants to baby banks that meet the eligibility criteria in July 2025.   

28^th April: Development Fund application window opens

30^th May: Development Fund application window closes. All applications must be received by this date.

2^nd – 28^th June: Applications reviewed 

W/c 30^th June: Grants awarded throughout July 

Development Fund FAQ’s

1. Who can apply for the Development Fund? 

This fund is for Baby Bank Alliance members who: 

• Signed up for BBA membership by 31st March 2025. 

• Returned annual survey data by 31^st March 2025. 

• Have the required policies (Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Volunteering). 

• Have a bank account in your baby bank’s name or your organisation’s name. 

• Have a constitution (a set of rules for your group). 

• Meet minimum safeguarding standards from Save the Children. 

• If you are a Community Interest Company (CIC), you need to explain what will happen to the money if you stop your services. 

2. Why are Save the Children and Purposeful Ventures involved? 

The Baby Bank Alliance was started by Baby Bank Network Bristol, Little Village, Save the Children, and Purposeful Ventures. Save the Children and Purposeful Ventures are helping with fundraising and managing the grants. 

3. Where does the money come from? 

The Development Fund is made up of donations from organisations including Morgan Stanley, IKEA and Amazon as well as trusts, corporate partners and major donor funders secured by incubating partners Purposeful Ventures and Save the Children. 

The value of grants will depend on the total number of applications we receive – for example if fewer baby banks apply, then the average grant amount will be higher.  

Some of our donors have geographical restrictions on their donations, so we’re only able to use their donations for baby banks in certain locations. This year, thanks to a generous donation from Morgan Stanley, baby banks in Glasgow and London will receive a larger grant. 

5. What can the grant be used for? 

The grant is unrestricted, meaning you can use it for anything that helps your baby bank. This might include costs like staff, rent, heating, or buying new items. How you spend the money is up to you. There is no need to provide receipts or proof of spending. 

6. How do we apply? 

You can apply online on the Baby Bank Alliance website. The application form has 12 questions across four sections: 

• Eligibility 

• Grant Terms 

• Safeguarding 

• Finance 

7. What are the safeguarding requirements? 

To make sure the money is used safely, you’ll need to: 

• Share your child safeguarding policy. 

• Agree to Save the Children’s Safeguarding Statement. 

• Answer a few questions about how you keep children and families safe. 

It’s also a good idea (but not required) for your staff and volunteers to have DBS checks (or equivalent checks in Scotland and Northern Ireland) to ensure best practices for child protection. 

8. What if we are a CIC? 

If your baby bank is a Community Interest Company (CIC), you must explain where the funding will go if your services ever stop. 

9. What if we haven’t completed the members survey in time? 

Unfortunately, if you were unable to complete and return your members survey by the deadline of 31^st March 2025, your baby bank won’t be eligible to receive the Development Fund this year. 

10. Do we need to provide receipts or proof of how we spent the grant? 

No, the grant is unrestricted, so you do not need to provide receipts or proof of how you spent the money. 

11. How can we stay updated on the application process?  

All the information you need about the application process, documents, and deadlines will be on the Baby Bank Alliance website. Be sure to check the website regularly for updates.