Moondance Big Donation 2025
Application Process for £1 million Funding for Educational Improvement in Wales
Guidelines for Expression of Interest and Detailed Application
Introduction
The application process for securing funding to support transformational educational improvement initiatives in Wales requires submission of a one-page (A4) expression of interest. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed four-page (A4) application.
Based on merit, Moondance will make up to four awards of £1 million each.
These grants aim to support projects in one of the following areas:
1. Early Years (under 5s)
2. Foster resilience and confidence in young people, to inspire and prepare them for their best life.
3. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).
This opportunity is open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations. We welcome collaborative working and joint applications.
Expression of Interest
To begin the application process, interested parties must submit a one-page (A4, minimum font size 11) expression of interest. This document should succinctly outline the proposed project, its objectives, and its potential impact in one of the three areas to attain educational improvement. The expression of interest must include:
Project Title
Main Applicant's Name, Position, Organisation Name and Contact Email
Charity number or company number
Brief Description of the Project
Target Area of Improvement (Early Years, Resilience and Confidence, or STEAM)
Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits
Following the Moondance trustees' review of the expressions of interest, selected applicants will receive an invitation to submit a detailed application.
Detailed Application
Upon receiving an invitation to apply, applicants should prepare a comprehensive four-page (A4, minimum font size 11) application. This document must provide an overview of the proposed project, including project summary, objectives and outcomes, methodology, impact assessment and top-line budget.
The application should be structured as follows:
1 Project Summary
This section should include a detailed description of the project, its goals, and its relevance to improving education in one area.
Early Years (under 5s): Describe initiatives aimed at enhancing learning experiences, cognitive development, and social skills of children under 5. Activities can include parental engagement strategies in addition to those in more formal and community settings.
Fostering Resilience and Confidence for young people: Outline activities designed to foster resilience and confidence in young people to inspire and prepare them for their best life.
STEAM Programmes: Detail projects focused on integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into the educational curriculum.
2 Objectives and Outcome
Clearly state your objectives for the project and the specific outcomes expected. These should be measurable and aligned with the target areas of improvement.
3 Methodology
Describe the methods and approaches that will be used to achieve the project's objectives. This section should include:
Implementation Plan: Outline the steps and timeline for project execution.
Resources and Materials: Specify the resources, materials, and tools that will be required.
Stakeholder Engagement: Detail how stakeholders (e.g., teachers, parents, community members) will be involved.
4 Impact Assessment
Explain how the project's impact will be assessed and measured. This should include:
Evaluation Criteria: Define the criteria for success and how they will be measured.
Data Collection: Specify the methods for collecting data and monitoring progress.
5 Budget
Provide a top-line budget for the project.
Guidelines and deadlines
Applicants should ensure that their expression of interest and, where invited, their application are clear, concise, and well-organised.
Expressions of interest and applications must be received by the specified deadline.
The Moondance trustees will review submissions to determine their relevance, feasibility, and potential impact on educational improvement in Wales.
To download or print a PDF version of this information click here.
Deadlines
Expression of interest should be submitted by 25 April 2025 by emailing moondancefoundation@gmail.com
Decisions on the expression of interest and invitations to complete full application will be emailed by 23 May 2025.
Invited full applications should be submitted by 4 July 2025.
Final decision on application will be communicated by 8 August 2025.