The Family Mediation Impact Fund aims to drive innovation and improve practices in family mediation.

The Family Mediation Trust is committed to fostering innovation and continuous improvement within the family mediation sector. As a charity, we believe that any surplus funds should be reinvested into initiatives that align with our core objectives: supporting families, enhancing mediation practices, and creating lasting positive change.

The Family Mediation Impact Fund (FMIF) has been established to provide targeted financial support for projects that advance the field of family mediation. When the fund is open, the Trust will set clear priorities and objectives to guide applications, ensuring transparency and alignment with our mission.

This Year’s Fund

For 2025, the Trustees have allocated funds with a specific focus on supporting projects that explore how mediators can better assess and assist families affected by domestic abuse. The aim is to develop innovative tools and practices that will have a lasting impact on how the sector addresses this critical issue.

Tracy Sortwell, Chair of the Family Mediation Trust, emphasizes:

"This year’s fund is an exciting opportunity to challenge existing practices and foster new approaches to support families experiencing domestic abuse. We hope the outcomes of this initiative will set a new standard for how mediators assess and work with these families."

How the Fund Works

When the Fund is Open: Clear guidelines, application criteria, and funding priorities will be published on this page, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
Application Process: Eligible applicants must complete a detailed application form, outlining their project’s objectives, timeline, and expected outcomes.
Assessment and Awarding: Applications will be assessed by a panel of Trustees using set criteria, including the project's feasibility, impact potential, and alignment with the Trust’s priorities.

For 2025:

Applications Open: January 15, 2025
Application Deadline: February 3, 2025
Assessment Period: February 1–14, 2025
Award Notifications: February 20, 2025

Funding Objectives

The FMIF aims to:

Promote Innovation: Support the development of new tools, techniques, and processes to improve mediation outcomes.
Address Critical Challenges: Fund projects tackling pressing issues, such as domestic abuse and its impact on families.
Foster Collaboration: Encourage partnerships between professionals to share best practices and insights.
Raise Standards: Enhance the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of family mediation services.

Why This Matters

The Family Mediation Trust recognizes the importance of reinvesting in the sector to drive meaningful change. The FMIF not only supports individual projects but also ensures that our collective efforts contribute to a stronger, more effective family mediation landscape. For more information, download the detailed application process document and draft contract here. If you have any questions, please contact us at families@thefamilymediataiontrust.org.

Application for the Family Mediation Impact Fund (FMIF)

Welcome to the Family Mediation Impact Fund Application Form

Thank you for your interest in the Family Mediation Impact Fund (FMIF). This fund has been established by The Family Mediation Trust to support innovative projects that advance family mediation practices and make a meaningful impact on the sector.

For 2025, the fund is focused on initiatives that explore how mediators can better assess and assist families affected by domestic abuse. Projects should aim to create lasting improvements in mediation tools, techniques, or processes that address this critical issue.

Before You Begin

The application cannot be saved midway, so it is strongly recommended that you prepare your responses in advance before completing the online form.

Please ensure that you have:

Reviewed the Application Guidelines: Ensure your project aligns with the fund’s objectives and priorities.
The text boxes are not restricted, but please ensure you answer the questions succinctly.
Prepared Supporting Documents: Include detailed project objectives, a timeline, expected outcomes, and a budget.
Confirmed Eligibility: Verify that your organization or project meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines.

Key Dates to Remember

Applications Open: January 15, 2025
Application Deadline: February 3, 2025
Assessment Period: February 1–14, 2025
Award Notifications: February 20, 2025

Completing the Application

Step 1: Provide Your Details: Enter your contact information and organizational details, including your name, email, and the organization you represent (if applicable).
Step 2: Outline Your Projece: Clearly describe your project’s objectives, timeline, expected outcomes, and how it aligns with the fund’s priorities.
Step 3: Budget and Funding Request: Provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s costs and specify the amount of funding you are requesting from the FMIF.
Step 4: Supporting Documents: Upload any relevant documentation to strengthen your application, such as project plans, references, or additional resources.
Step 5: Declarations and Submission: Read and agree to the terms and conditions, confirming that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.

What Happens Next?

Once your application is submitted:

You will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Trustees using criteria such as feasibility, impact potential, and alignment with the fund’s priorities.
If additional information is required, a member of our team will contact you directly.

Questions or Assistance

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at families@thefamilymediationtrust.org. We are here to support you throughout the application process.

Thank you for your dedication to advancing family mediation practices. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Full Name*

E-mail*

Phone Number*

Organisations Name*

What is the legal structure of the organisation applying for funding?*

I confirm I have the authority to make this application on behalf of the organisation listed above.

Please provide a detailed overview of your project, including its purpose, objectives, and the specific needs it aims to address.*

Outline how you will fullfill the current funding rounds objectives?*

Please provide a detailed outlined of how you will deliver the proposed project.

How will you promote innovation?*

How will you address key challenges facing mediators?*

How will you foster collaboration?*

How will you raise standards?*

How will you empower mediators?*

Please provide details of how your proposal will support the FMC Standards.*

As part of your application, please include a detailed set of project milestones that outline the key stages of your initiative. Each milestone should clearly define what will be achieved at that stage, along with the corresponding dates. This timeline will provide a structured framework for your project and demonstrate its feasibility.*

Upload a Financial Breakdown for the Project: Provide a detailed financial breakdown for your project. Ensure your submission includes: A clear timeline indicating when each cost is expected to occur and an explanation of how each cost has been calculated or assessed to ensure accuracy and transparency.*

Up-load your business's latest set of accounts.*

Please up load any supporting documentation you feel is required to support your application.

I confirme:

I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions for Application Submission to the Family Mediation Impact Fund.
No current director, trustee, or senior leader of your organization has been disqualified or struck off from holding such a position.
My organisation is in good financial standing and not currently subject to insolvency proceedings or similar legal restrictions.
My organisation and its representatives have not been involved in any fraudulent, unethical, or illegal activities.
My organisation complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including safeguarding, data protection, and equality legislation.
My organisation has the necessary resources, expertise, and capacity to deliver the proposed project within the specified timeframe and budget.

Please confirme the name of the person colpleating this application.*

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