We give Grants within four sectors: Arts, Education, Health & Medicine, and Social Welfare & Development. Within these four broad sectors, we encourage applications that apply to our evolving list of areas of special interest, which are listed below. To find out more about these areas, please click on the individual case studies where they exist:

•  Achieving learning outcomes through the work of artists and arts organisations. To find out more read the The Voices Foundation case study and The Irene Taylor Trust 'Music in Prisons' case study. In November 2008, we held a seminar for grant-holders to share learning and ideas for the future. You can read the seminar report here.

• Developing numeracy skills.

• Improved quality of life for older people.

Excellent applications outside these areas are welcomed. In the last 12 months, 50% of awards have been outside these areas of special interest.

To read about examples of programmes which fall outside our areas of special interest, please see the case study for Ormiston Children & Families Trust and Treehouse.