MenuCost of Living Grants
Over recent months an increasing number of UK households have been struggling with rising prices for food, fuel and other essential goods leading to a cost of living crisis.
To alliviate the impact of the cost of living crisis, support organisations such as charities and community groups, as well as individuals can apply for a range of grants.
Funding may be available from a range of sources including:
- Central Government
- Local Authorities
- Community Foundations
- Grant Making Bodies
Grants Online is in the process of pulling these funding sources together and to list them in one place (please see below).
Please note that this is a work in progress and we will be adding grants to this page on a regulat basis.
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Government Support
In response to the cost of living crisis, the Government has launched a support package targeted at those most vulnerable households.
The support available includes:
- £15 billion energy bill rebate package
- £650 Cost of Living payment for those on benefits
- £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
- £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment
- The Warm Homes Discount
- Winter Fuel Payments
- Cold Weather Payments
A information on Government help available can be found here.
Community Foundations
Within the UK there is a network of 47 Community Foundations. These cover specific geographic areas ranging from countries like Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to smaller areas such as specific counties or cities.
Community Foundations are grant making bodies that exist to benefit disadvantaged communities. Grants are awarded to charitable, community or voluntary organisations.
In many cases these grants can be used to alleviate the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis
Each Community Foundation has its own grant making priorities and programmes to reflect the needs of it area.
The list of Community Foundations can be found here
Examples of Community Foundation grants include:
Cambridgeshire Community Foundation - Stay Well Fund (Cambridgeshire)
The Cambridgeshire Community Foundation exists to benefit disadvantaged communities by making grants to support relevant charitable or voluntary organisations, which make a difference to their local communities. Through the Stay Well Fund the foundation provides grants of up to £400 to vulnerable individuals and families living in Cambridgeshire (not including Peterborough) facing fuel poverty. These grants are to be used towards future heating costs. For those that are homeless, other costs of keeping warm (such as sleeping bags) will be considered.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.cambscf.org.uk/stay-well
Wiltshire Community Foundation - Community Grant (Wiltshire)
The Wiltshire Community Foundation exists to benefit disadvantaged communities by making grants to support relevant charitable or voluntary organisations, which make a difference to their local communities. Through the Main Grant programme the foundation provides grants of up to £5,000 a year to support projects which will make a sustained impact in the lives of disadvantaged people in Wiltshire and Swindon. The foundation are particularly interested in projects and activities that: Address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic; Support children and young people; Prevent or alleviate poor mental health; Tackle poverty and inequality and its effects.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/grants-and-support/groups/community-grants/
Cumbria Community Foundation - Barrow Community Trust Fund (Barrow)
The Cumbria Community Foundation exists to benefit disadvantaged people and communities by making grants to support relevant charitable or voluntary organisations, which make a difference within their local area. Through the Barrow Community Trust Fund, the Foundation provides grants of up to £1,000 for groups with small projects which provide activities in Barrow. Priority will be given to groups in the wards of Barrow Island, Central, Hindpool, Ormsgill, and Risedale which support the Foundations' aims of advancement of education, relief of poverty, benefits to health, social inclusion, and raising aspirations.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/barrow-community-trust-fund
Staffordshire Community Foundation - The Hilton Fund (South Staffordshire)
The Staffordshire Community Foundation exists to benefit disadvantaged communities by making grants to support relevant charitable or voluntary organisations, which make a difference to their local communities. Through the Hilton Fund the foundation provides grants of up to £2,000 to organisations in South Staffordshire with projects that meet one of the following criteria; Increase or enhance local services; Provide local social or leisure activities; Provide a local service that might otherwise be unavailable; Relieve poverty or disadvantage for local people.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://staffsfoundation.org.uk/grants/hiltonmainfund/#1582108239114-9939be2c-0270
Local Authority Help
Local councils may be able to help individuals to pay for things like:
- energy and water bills;
- food;
- essential items such as for example clothes or household items such as cookers, etc.
This help is known as 'welfare assistance' or the ‘Household Support Fund’. Each council runs their own scheme. The help they offer and who can get it varies.
Individuals should ask their local council if they run a welfare assistance or Household Support Fund scheme.
Find out how to contact your local council on GOV.UK.
Latest Funding Opportunities
Dorset Community Foundation - Food and Energy Support Fund Round 2 (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole)
Registered charities, constituted community and voluntary organisations, community interest companies, and social enterprises in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area can apply for grants of up to £7,500 from the BCP Food and Energy Support Fund Round 2. The grant scheme which is administered by the Dorset Community Foundation is intended to cover a wide range of support for vulnerable and low-income households in the most need of support during Winter 2023/24. This can include families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, and disabled people. Grant-funded activities should meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford energy and water bills, food, and other related essentials. The application closing date is 12pm on Friday 6th October 2023.
https://www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds/bcp-food-and-energy-support-fund/
Crowdfunder - Cost of Living Crisis Emergency Fund (UK)
Crowdfunder has launched a new initiative to support not-for-profit organisations in the UK that are helping to tackle food poverty during the cost-of-living crisis. The Crowdfunder Cost of Living Crisis Emergency Fund will match each donation given by the general public, up to the value of £250. A maximum of £5,000 of match funding is available per organisation. The funding is for revenue costs and could be used to help food banks, provide free meals during the school holidays, support community fridges, help people with food budgeting or food education, and other community food projects. Projects must be delivered by the 31st December 2023. The Fund will close when all funding has been allocated.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/cost-of-living-crisis-emergency-fund
Scottish Government - Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund (Scotland)
The Scottish Government has announced £1 million in financial support for businesses and communities on Scotland's Islands. The funding will be provided through the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund, which was set to help mitigate against the unique cost of living challenges faced by people living on Scotland's islands. The additional funding will be distributed by the six island local authorities, with support targeted where they feel it will be most effective and towards people, communities and businesses who are struggling the most. Previous initiatives funded by the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund include food bank grants, Love Local food voucher cards and free school breakfasts.
https://www.gov.scot/news/financial-support-for-islanders/
Onward Community Fund (North West)
Community organisations located in Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire can apply for grants from the Onward Community Fund, which is provided by Onward, a leading provider of quality, affordable homes in the North West. These grants, which are up to £2,500, are designed to support local projects that make a positive difference in the communities they serve. The fund is also interested in projects that aim to support people and communities facing increased challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis. In the last financial year, the Onward Community Fund awarded £100,141 in funding to 64 local community organisations.
The closing date for applications is the 15th November 2023.
https://www.onward.co.uk/community-fund/
Cosaraf Charitable Foundation - Hardship Grants (UK)
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to charities, housing associations, schools and social services providing support for individuals and families across the UK who are in financial need.
The Cosaraf Charitable Foundation’s Hardship Grants will support individuals and families who have exhausted all other sources of funding and are struggling with everyday costs, such as basic living expenses, household items and utilities, work- or education-related expenses, or rent arrears.
Priority will be given to the most financially excluded people, families over individuals, those with caring responsibilities, and to items that will make the most difference to the individual/family’s long-term future.
Applications can be made at any time and are assessed every six weeks.
https://www.cosaraf.org/apply-for-funding/hardship-grants/
Henry Smith Charity - Strengthening Communities Programme (UK)
Grants of between £20,000 and £70,000 per year for up to three years are available to community-led charities and not-for-profit organisations working to support communities in the most deprived areas of the UK.
The Henry Smith Charity's Strengthening Communities programme focuses on supporting the running costs of organisations working at grass-roots level, to ensure that funding reaches the most disadvantaged areas, targeting places that are economically marginalised and affected by poverty.
Funding could be used to increase existing service provision, take on a new staff member, improve sustainability or cover small capital costs.
Applications can be submitted at any time and decisions are usually made within 6 months.
Scottish Government - Fuel Insecurity Fund (Scotland)
The Scottish Government is making up to £30 million in funding available to support households with rising energy costs. The funding will be made available to third sector organisations in the next financial year to support the most vulnerable households on any tariff type and using any type of fuel, who are at risk of self-rationing or self-disconnecting their energy use.
The Fuel Insecurity Fund has previously provided funding to organisations including the Fuel Bank Foundation, Advice Direct Scotland, and Scottish Federation of Housing Associations to provide direct support to households.
https://www.gov.scot/news/more-funding-made-available-for-fuel-insecurity-fund/
National Lottery Community Fund - Cost-of-Living Support Scotland Grants (Scotland)
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, the National Lottery Community Fund is making funding available for projects that help support individuals, families and communities currently experiencing financial hardship. Through the Cost-of-Living Support Scotland Grants programme, grants of between £10,001 and £75,000 will be awarded for activity that increases resilience and reduces the impact of, or prevents financial insecurity amongst vulnerable communities.
Examples of the types of projects that could be funded include money advice projects, mental health projects, projects bringing people together for activities under one roof, and 'warm room' projects.
Applications can be made at any time.
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/cost-of-living-support-fund
Cash for Kids - Cost of Living Fund (UK)
A new £1 million fund has been launched to support the UK’s most vulnerable families during the cost-of-living crisis. The Cash for Kids Cost of Living Fund will target families who have a genuine need for support and are suffering from disadvantage due to the crisis, allowing them to apply for grants of £50 per child which can be used for basic essentials such as food, heating, clothing, and school uniform.
Service providers who support vulnerable children, including schools, social services, health professionals and charities, can apply on behalf of the families they work with. Applications will close when all funding has been allocated.
https://cashforkids.org.uk/grants
Other Current Funding Opportunities
Artemis Charitable Foundation (UK)
The Artemis Charitable Foundation makes donations to charities operating in the UK and internationally primarily in four key areas; health; education; poverty; and the environment.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.artemisfunds.com/en/about-artemis/artemis-charitable-foundation-application-guidelines
Aviva - Community Fund (UK)
To help with the cost-of-living crisis, the Aviva Community Fund is offering an additional £2 million in match funding for causes supporting financial wellbeing in their communities across the UK. The Cost of Living Boost will support charities and social enterprises to deliver initiatives that help disadvantaged and vulnerable people take control of their wellbeing by giving them tools to be more financially independent. Aviva has teamed up with the fundraising platform Crowdfunder and will match each donation given by the general public, up to the value of £250 between the 4th October 2022 and the 31st December 2022, or until the entire £2 million is allocated. A maximum of £50,000 of match funding is available per organisation.
https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/costoflivingboost
BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme (UK)
BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme supports children and young people who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances, and is delivered by Family Fund Business Services. The programme provides items that meet a child’s most basic needs such as a bed to sleep in, a cooker to provide a hot meal and other items or services critical to a child’s wellbeing. Applications can be made at any time.
All applications must be made by a registered referrer.
https://www.familyfundservices.co.uk/emergency-essentials/
Beatrice Laing Trust (UK)
The Trust funds projects concerned with the relief of poverty or distress, particularly those relating to children, and the advancement of the evangelical Christian faith, both at home and abroad. The Beatrice Laing Trust offers grants to UK registered charities working throughout the UK, in developing countries and overseas. Grants are generally awarded on a one-off basis for capital purposes such as the purchase or construction of new premises, building extension, redevelopment or refurbishment, or the purchase of equipment and vehicles.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
http://www.laingfamilytrusts.org.uk/
Benefact Trust - General Grants Programme (UK)
The Benefact Trust (formerly known as the All Churches Trust) offers grants to Christian charities and organisations across the United Kingdom and Ireland that aim to help communities thrive and tackle social issues such as helping vulnerable families, homelessness and poverty to climate change and cultural cohesion. Through the General Grants Programme the Trust supports the repair, restoration, protection and improvement of churches, cathedrals and other places of Christian worship where changes support wider community use and enable greater impact.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://benefacttrust.co.uk/which-grant-is-for-me/general-grants
Benefact Trust - Methodist Grants (UK)
The Benefact Trust (formerly known as the All Churches Trust) offers grants to Christian charities and organisations across the United Kingdom and Ireland that aim to help communities thrive and tackle social issues such as helping vulnerable families, homelessness and poverty to climate change and cultural cohesion. The Benefact Trust's Methodist Grants Programme seeks to enhance the mission and ministry of the Methodist Church in the UK and Ireland by supporting significant redevelopment projects on buildings which have been identified as key to the future mission objectives of a circuit or district and schemes which bring significant community benefits beyond those to the immediate congregation.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://benefacttrust.co.uk/which-grant-is-for-me/methodist-grants/
British Gas Energy Support Fund (UK)
The Trust has launched a new energy support fund to help the most financially vulnerable British Gas customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills. This fund has been set up in response to the increasing cost of living and rising inflation, including Ofgem’s most recent price cap increase. Through the fund eligible British Gas customers with fuel debt of £250 to £750 can apply for grants to help pay their energy bills over the coming months.
The fund will remain open until all the money invested has been awarded.
https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/
The British Gas Energy Trust (England, Scotland and Wales)
The British Gas Energy Trust provides help and advice to households in England, Wales and Scotland struggling with money and energy debt. This includes free resources to help make sure households are getting the support and benefits they may be entitled to as well as a direct access energy debt programme – that awards grants to households that remove energy debt, fund emergency fuel credit and provide boiler replacements. This support is available no matter who the energy supplier is.
https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/
Buttle UK - Chances for Children Grants (UK)
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to support the needs of vulnerable children and young people who have experienced a recent crisis or change in life that has had a significant impact on their social and emotional wellbeing and their education. The funding is being made available through the Buttle UK's Chances for Children Grants. Support might include items and activities to support learning and development such as laptops, books, wi-fi, educational toys, tuition, etc; clothing and school uniforms; and social, sporting and leisure activities; and items for children/young people’s bedrooms. Buttle UK will only accept applications from frontline professionals (from a registered charity, housing association or public sector organisation).
Applications can be made at any time.
https://buttleuk.org/apply-for-a-grant/chances-for-children-grants/
Central England Co-operative (Central England)
Grants of between £100 and £5,000 are available for projects that aim to improve communities. The funding is being made available through the Central England Co-operative Dividend Fund and is available to good causes, community groups, charities and social enterprises in central England that are full members of the Central England Co-operative. The types of projects supported include access to healthy food; health and wellbeing projects; inclusion of vulnerable, excluded, or hard to reach groups; and the environment such as energy saving projects, sustainable travel, biodiversity and food security.
The deadline for applications is the 29th September 2023.
https://www.centralengland.coop/community-covid
Centre for Sustainable Energy - Safe and Warm Scheme (Scotland and South West England)
Grants of up to £25,000 are available to small charities and grassroots organisations working to support vulnerable people and communities struggling with the current cost-of-living crisis and increases in energy costs. The funding is provided by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, in partnership with SGN, to support people in areas of Scotland and the South of England where SGN operates who need help staying safe and warm during the winter period, as well as for initiatives addressing carbon monoxide safety and fuel poverty. Organisations should register their interest in the first instance.
Applications for the SGN Safe and Warm scheme will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
https://www.cse.org.uk/projects/view/1397
City Bridge Trust – Advice and Support (London)
The City Bridge Trust (CBT) Advice and Support programme aims to address inequalities by improving access to good quality advice and support. Applications are invited from organisations providing suitably accredited generalist or specialist advice and support to individuals affected by inequalities, in relation to benefits; debt and money; employment problems; housing and immigration status.
Applications can be made at any time.
https://www.citybridgetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/grant-making/what-we-fund/advice-and-support/
Coalfields Regeneration Trust – Small Grants Programme (England – Former Coalfield Areas)
Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help organisations provide support to low-income families need. The type of projects supported includes food poverty projects; information, advice & guidance projects; social groups; projects supporting the homeless or any other project which would benefit those in crisis.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/england/small-grants/
Dischma Charitable Trust (England & Wales)
The Dischma Charitable Trust provides grants to organisations in England and Wales that require funding for projects that fall into the following categories: Education/training; The Advancement Of Health Or Saving Of Lives; Disability; The Prevention or Relief of Poverty; Overseas Aid/famine Relief; Arts/culture/heritage/science; Animals; Environment/conservation/heritage.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
East Sussex County Council Cost of Living Community Fund - (East Suffolk)
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, schools, and town and parish councils in East Suffolk providing support for local residents who are struggling due to the rising cost of living. The funding will support community food and energy support activities that keep people warm, well-fed, safe and connected, with a particular focus on a reduction of incidents of respiratory conditions this winter. Funding could be used to help people access hot, healthy, nutritious meals in community settings; help people to stay warm at home during the colder months; and to provide Warm Spaces. The funding is made available by East Suffolk Council through the East Suffolk Cost of Living Community Fund.
No application deadline is given.
EDF Customer Support Fund (UK)
The EDF Customer Support Fund awards grants to vulnerable customer households. It aims to provide customers with a fresh start and financial stability. It can help households stay out of fuel debt and better able to afford ongoing energy costs. The Fund also offers grants to buy essential energy efficient white goods such as cookers, refrigerators, or washing machines.
Applications can be submitted at any time.
Edith Murphy Foundation (UK)
The Edith Murphy Foundation was established in memory of Hughie Murphy. Its purpose is to support other organisations (predominantly, but not exclusively, other registered charities) that: carry out research; support individuals who by reason of their age, youth, infirmity, disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances are suffering hardship, distress or are otherwise in need; relieve the suffering and care for unwanted animals. The value of grants made is normally between £500 and £5,000 although larger grants are made in some circumstances. Since its inception in 1993 the charity has supported over 650 organisations with grants of around £17.5 million enabling these groups to carry out ground breaking research as well as providing much needed support to those in need of care.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://edithmurphy.co.uk/how-to-apply
E-On Next Energy Fund (UK)
The aim of the E.ON Next Energy Fund is to help E.ON Next customers who are experiencing financial hardship and struggling. There are two ways this fund can help:
- The first option is to help with paying gas and electricity bills through grants, helping individual to become financially stable and to get back control of their finances.
- The other option is to provide a replacement appliance such as a cooker, fridge, fridge-freezer or washing machine if yours has broken or poor condition.
Applications are open to individual customers of e-on and application can be submitted at any time.
https://www.eonnextenergyfund.com/
Friends of the Elderly - Grants for Older People (England & Wales)
Friends of the elderly provide support for older people affected by loneliness and grants for those living on a low income. Through the Grants for Older People programme they provide grants of up to £400 to older people who are of/over state pension age and have savings of less than £4,000. Funding is currently being provided through four schemes: Home Essentials to help with the cost of replacing everyday items, small home repairs and mobility adaptations; Digital Connection to help older people get online; Financial Support to help with unexpected bills; and Essential Living Costs including clothing, food, medicines and books. Applications must be made via a third-party Referral Agent such as charities, local authority and social services representatives.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.fote.org.uk/our-charity-work/grants-2/
Greggs Foundation - Hardship Fund (North East)
The Hardship Fund supports families in the North East of England who are in extreme financial hardship, it was established in 1993 and since then it has given over £2 million to families in poverty in the counties of North-East England, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham and Teesside. Social organisations can apply for funding on behalf of clients; items such as Cookers, fridges, freezers and washing machines can be supplied and fitted directly by East Durham partnership and cheques of up to £150 can be made towards other items including beds and bedding, baby equipment, clothing and flooring.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
http://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/grants
Groundwork - One Stop Community Partnership Programme (UK)
Groundwork is working with One Stop Stores Ltd to administer the One Stop Community Partnership programme. Successful applicants will receive an initial grant of up to £1,000 and begin a partnership with their local One Stop store. This programme is designed to support community groups or organisations operating within two miles of a One Stop store and which are tackling food poverty; supporting the vulnerable; supporting the elderly; supporting low-income families; and running youth sports teams.
Applications can be made at any time and applicants are encouraged to visit their local One Stop store for more information.
https://www.groundwork.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/national-grants/one-stop-community-partnership/
Institute of Physics - Benevolent Fund (UK)
The Institute of Physics (IOP) is a leading scientific society and charitable organisation, their aim is to advance physics education, research and application by providing positive and compelling experiences of physics to public audiences through engaging and entertaining activities and events. The Benevolent Fund provides financial help to IOP members, or their dependants, facing critical needs that cannot otherwise be met.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.iop.org/physics-community/member-latest/covid-19/benevolent-fund
Henry Smith Charity - Improving Lives (UK)
The Henry Smith Charity is one of the largest independent grant making trusts in the UK. The Improving Lives grant programme provides grants to charitable organisations that help people in need when other sources of support have failed, are inappropriate, or are simply not available. Funding of between £20,000 and £60,000 per year for a maximum of three years is available to established organisations delivering services directly to beneficiaries. One of the key areas of the Improving lives programme is to support:
- People have the support, information and advice to address their financial issues.
- People are able to navigate the benefits, migration and asylum systems and claim their rights and entitlements.
- People have improved financial literacy, are more able to understand their finances and have greater confidence when budgeting and managing their money.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
Henry Smith Charity - Strengthening Communities (UK)
The Henry Smith Charity is one of the largest independent grant making trusts in the UK. The Strengthening Communities grant programme is designed to support small charitable organisations working at grassroots level and aims to ensure that funding reaches the most disadvantaged areas of the UK. Funding of between £20,000 and £60,000 is available for up to three years to support work that enables: people from across the community to participate in activities which improve connectedness, opportunities and wellbeing; people who are excluded, vulnerable or facing hardship to have access to community-based services that support positive lasting change; a stronger, active, more engaged community.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
Highland Council - Cost of Living Support (Scottish Highlands)
Charities, and community and voluntary organisations in the Scottish Highlands can apply for a share of £450,000 in funding to deliver projects and activities that will help ease the impacts of the rising costs of living for residents and communities. Through the Cost of Living Support - Community Led Initiatives Fund, the Highland Council will award grants of up to £10,000 for local initiatives that support people during the winter months by keeping them warm, providing food, and enabling them to heat their living areas and live safely in their homes. This could include community support initiatives that provide food/activities; extending local hours or introducing/increasing food provision; and strengthening or establishing food larders or food table provision.
No application deadline is given.
John Holford Charity (North West)
John Holford Charity makes grants to individuals and organisations for children, young people, elderly, people with disabilities and the general public for the relief of disability or the prevention or relief of poverty. The Charity supports individual children and families by making donations to provide for anything from school uniforms and school trips to new washing machines. They also support charitable organisations that work with individuals, where there is financial need. The geographical area covered is the old Congleton Borough of Cheshire.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
http://www.johnholfordcharity.org/index.html
Karbon Housing - My Community Fund (North East)
Karbon Housing wants to create places where people wish to live and improve the wellbeing and quality of life of residents who live there. The projects funded through the Karbon Community Investment strategy vary considerably, from a young peoples' counselling services, to a food bank in West Northumberland and an employability project in Morpeth. Karbon homes have a number of services and projects working in local communities and will continue to build more resilient communities by: Supporting people to manage their finances and debts; training people to use technology and promoting access to digital services; Supporting people to be more involved in decision making in their local communities; Promoting volunteering programmes; Working to reduce social isolation; Promoting training and employment initiatives; Acting as a signpost for people with entrepreneurial ambitions; Encouraging people to be active and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Application deadline - Please see funders website for details.
https://www.karbonhomes.co.uk/your-community/community-funding/
Longleigh Foundation - Individual Hardship Grants (England)
Individual Hardship grants are available to Stonewater Residents who are experiencing short-term hardship or crisis situations, for example: Sickness resulting in sudden unemployment and short term lack of funds - support may be needed for food vouchers; Oven or fridge requiring emergency replacement. The maximum grant value for Hardship Grants is £1000 per household in any 12-month period.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://longleigh.org/our-grants/individual-grants/
London Catalyst Grant Programmes (London)
London Catalyst is an independent grant making trust that provides funding for charities and not for profit organisations to deliver projects and improve services. The trust aims to make a difference by acting as a catalyst for change, they aim to: improve health and wellbeing, help to remove people from poverty and raise awareness of poverty and ill health in London. The annual grants budget is £300,000 divided between two grant programmes: Project Grants - supporting new initiatives and service developments for disadvantaged people; Samaritan Grants - this is a hardship fund offering immediate help to people in an emergency, 70% of all these grants are for food and travel; Partners for health - grants for projects that can demonstrate: Positive outcomes forpeople experiencing significant barriers to health and well-being, A new approach or a thoughtful development of service, Working in partnership with an expert health agency/provider.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
http://www.londoncatalyst.org.uk/
Magic Little Grants (UK)
Localgiving has teamed up with the Postcode Community Trust to provide the Magic Little Grants programme. The fund provides small charities and community groups with grants of £500 for projects that address a range of community, social, environmental and health issues including preventing or reducing the impact of poverty.
Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://localgiving.org/magic-little-grants/
Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation (England, Scotland and Wales)
The Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation has teamed up with Crowdfunder to make £100,000 in funding available for sustainable community projects in England, Scotland and Wales. Charities and community interest companies can apply for up to 50% of their crowdfunding target, up to a maximum of £5,000, to support projects that match one or more of the following themes: the environment and conservation; health and wellbeing; and the prevention or relief of poverty. Projects could include rewilding projects, community gardens, social inclusion and mental health projects, sports projects, community food banks, money management and budgeting skills, and educational projects for communities to reduce their carbon footprint.
No application deadline is given.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/mortgage-advice-bureau-foundation
National Grid - Energy Support Fund (UK)
The National Grid has launched a £50 million energy support fund to provide support for consumers struggling with rising energy costs over the next two winters. The funding will be awarded to a group of charities providing support for vulnerable households and advice on energy efficiency measures to lower bills long term. It will enable organisations to increase the number of staff giving advice on phonelines, provide fuel vouchers and improve the energy efficiency of households. Among the beneficiaries, Citizens Advice and the Fuel Bank Foundation will receive £10 million each, with National Energy Action receiving £1.5 million.
Any remaining funding will be distributed to organisations identified by the National Grid as providing direct help and support to those who need it most.
National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland)
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, the National Lottery Community Fund is making funding available for projects that help support individuals, families and communities currently experiencing financial hardship. Through the Cost-of-Living Support Scotland Grants programme, grants of between £10,001 and £75,000 will be awarded for activity that increases resilience and reduces the impact of, or prevents financial insecurity amongst vulnerable communities. Examples of the types of projects that could be funded include money advice projects, mental health projects, projects bringing people together for activities under one roof, and 'warm room' projects.
Applications can be made at any time.
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/cost-of-living-support-fund
OVO Energy Fund (UK)
The OVO Energy Fund is a fund that helps people who’ve fallen behind with their energy payments to OVO. To qualify, individuals need to be in receipt of one of the following: Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit (but only if not working). In addition to qualify the energy debt on the energy account needs to be at least £150 and the annual household income is £16,190 or less.
https://www.ovoenergy.com/help/debt-and-energy-assistance
Persimmon Community Champions (England, Scotland and Wales)
Persimmon Homes Charity Foundation is providing grant funding of up to £1000 to registered charities, clubs, schools and other organisations which have already raised vital funds themselves towards projects to enhance their local community. The total available each month to support local good causes is £60,000. The type of projects supported to date have included support for foodbanks; projects within schools; and sports projects; etc.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions
Robertson Trust - Wee Grants (Scotland)
The Robertson Trust is an independent Scottish grant-making Trust which exists to improve the lives of people and communities experiencing poverty and trauma. The Trust provide funding for organisations and initiatives that address: Financial wellbeing - tackling the financial and material effects of poverty on people and communities; Emotional wellbeing and relationships - ensuring people have emotional wellbeing, and confidence and strength in their relationships with others; Educational and work pathways - equipping people for the future by supporting learning and skills. Through the Wee Grants programme the trust provides grants of up to £2,000 to constituted community groups and small charities with an annual income of under £25,000.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/funding/wee-grants/
Royal British Legion’s Everyday Needs Grants Programme (UK)
Grants of up to £2,400 are being made available to help UK Armed Forces veterans and their families who are struggling to pay their bills due to the cost-of-living crisis. The funding is being made available through the Royal British Legion’s Everyday Needs Grants Programme to support people who need help with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs. The initiative will provide non-repayable emergency grants of up to £200 a month for up to twelve months.
Applications can be made at any time and should be assessed within five days of submission.
Scottish Power Hardship Fund (UK)
Because some customers have difficulties paying their bills due to low income or other circumstances, ScottishPower has a Hardship Fund to help them get their energy payments under control. The Fund can help by clearing or reducing arrears by crediting a customer’s ScottishPower energy account. To qualify, individuals need to be in receipt of one of the following: Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit, or Employment and Support Allowance.
https://community.scottishpower.co.uk/t5/Extra-Help/Hardship-Fund/ta-p/53
Sense - Cost of Living Support Fund Launched (England, Northern Ireland or Wales)
In response to the cost of living crisis in the UK, Sense, the national disability charity, has launched a fund to provide financial support to people with complex disabilities who live in the family home and are on low incomes. The Sense Cost of Living Support Fund will award grants of £500. All applications must be completed on the individual’s behalf by a social care professional nominated by Sense. This can be a support worker, service manager or a social care worker. There are no restriction on how the money can be spent. Sense is has partnered with the Turn2us charity to process payments. For any questions please contact Turn2us on 0808 802 2000 or email them at sensegrants@turn2us.org.uk. No application deadlines have been indicated.
https://www.sense.org.uk/our-services/sense-cost-of-living-support-fund/
SODEXHO Foundation Stop Hunger Campaign (UK)
Stop Hunger is a worldwide Sodexo initiative active in more than 40 countries. Through the initiative, the Sodexo Foundation donate time, skills and money to tackle hunger, support good nutrition and promote life skills in local communities. In the UK and Ireland the Stop Hunger Foundation is a grant giving organisation and its vision is to work with very best charities that exist to tackle hunger and malnutrition; promote healthy lifestyles; and develop life skills such as cooking. Previous grant awards have ranged between £1,500 and £120,000, however first time applicants can only apply for a maximum of £10,000. Organisations that have previously received funding include Fare Share who redistributes surplus food destined for landfill to local charities and community groups across the UK and Focus Ireland who support homeless people in Dublin by providing hot nutritious meals.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
http://uk.stop-hunger.org/home.html
Tesco Community Grants Programme (England, Scotland & Wales)
The Tesco Community Grants Programme will use the money raised from the 5p bag charge in Tesco stores across England, Wales and Scotland to pay for a large number of local projects. Tesco Community Grants fund thousands of local community projects across the UK, helping to fight holiday hunger, tackle mental health, support young people, host community events and much more. Since 2016 the scheme has supported over 40,000 community groups with more than £90 million in grants. Tesco Community Grants is open to charities and community organisations to apply for a grant of up to £1,500. Every three months, three local good causes are selected to be in the blue token customer vote in Tesco stores throughout the UK.
This grant is open to applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
https://tescocommunitygrants.org.uk/
Grants Currently Closed but May Open Later in the Year
Bank of Scotland Foundation – Reach Programme (Scotland)
The Bank of Scotland Foundations Reach Programme is part of a five-year strategic plan to “Support Positive Change Across Scotland”. The Reach programme will support charities with an income of less than £1million that can demonstrate that they address disadvantage or social inclusion. Examples include charities addressing primary disadvantage such as homelessness, abuse, mental health or poverty; secondary disadvantage such as debt issues, learning disabilities, lack of employability skills or health issues; exclusionary challenges for minorities, people with disabilities, LGBT people, drug users, care leavers, the elderly or the young. Grants are available of between £1,000 and £25,000 over one year.
http://bankofscotlandfoundation.org/funding-programmes/reach
British Gas Energy Trust - Individual and Families Fund (England, Scotland and Wales)
The Individual and Families Debt Write Off Fund, administered by the British Gas Energy Trust, is now open for applications.
The fund provides eligible applicants with a grant of up to £1,500 to clear outstanding arrears with their energy supplier. Unlike some other funds, eligibility is not limited to British Gas customers. However, customers of Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, and Octopus should apply to their respective funds instead.
To qualify for the grant, the applicant must live in England, Scotland, or Wales and not have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust in the past 2 years. Additionally, they must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity, or dual fuel energy account in their name, or be a member of the household with the debt. Furthermore, the applicant must have electric and/or gas debt, be in or facing Fuel Poverty, and have received help from a money advice agency. If the applicant does not satisfy all of these criteria, their application will not be assessed.
https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/
Centre for Sustainable Energy – Power Partners (London, South East & East England)
The Power Partners programme is a £300,000 per annum programme which is being managed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy on behalf of UK Power Networks. The programme aims to support up to 40 organisations to combat fuel poverty, improve energy efficiency and support people in vulnerable circumstances. Grants of between £2,000 and £20,000 are available for projects that deliver outcomes in the following two categories: Income maximisation for vulnerable households; and CO2 and financial savings and energy efficiency improvements for popular community spaces achieved through the installation of insulation, low-energy lighting and appliances, heating upgrades or renewable technologies.
This grant is currently closed to applications.
https://www.cse.org.uk/projects/view/1356
Community Food Initiatives - at Home Programme (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland)
Grants of up to €2,000 are available to community-led organisations for online initiatives that encourage healthy eating amongst families in low-income communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Funded by safefood, the Community Food Initiatives (CFI) at Home Programme will support organisations who are not currently involved in the CFI to deliver an online project that provides low-income families with the knowledge and skills to prepare healthy food options. Projects could include learning how to prepare & cook a recipe, online cookery sessions, online support groups for sharing ideas and tips, and online interactive talks delivered by a dietitian or registered nutritionist.
EAGA Partnership Charitable Trust Grant Programme (UK)
Eaga Partnership Charitable Trust is a grant-giving trust that supports projects and research into the causes of fuel poverty and its impact on health, in particular, the health of vulnerable consumers. The Trust gives priority to funding proposals that have the potential to inform or influence national perceptions and policies and have a wide geographic focus. Funding of between £2,000 and £20,000 is available and typically projects would span between one and three years. Trustees meet three times a year to consider applications.
This grant is closed to applications.
http://www.eagacharitabletrust.org/grants-offered
EDF Energy Trust (UK)
The EDF Energy Trust helps families and individuals living in fuel poverty, suffering or other distress who are struggling to pay their gas and/or electricity bill by awarding grants to clear those debts. The aim of the Trust is to give vulnerable individuals a fresh start and financial stability enabling them to remain free of fuel debts going forward. Bankruptcy applications will not be considered from homeowners and those with assets above a value of £1,000 and total debts less than £15,000.
This grant is closed to applications.
https://www.edfenergytrust.org.uk/
MSE Charity Grants (UK)
The charity aims to fight financial and consumer illiteracy and is dedicated to educating and informing adults and children about consumer and debt issues. It provides grants of up to £500 to help individuals to eradicate this illiteracy through self-development or innovative projects. Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000. Using funding provided by annual donations from the MoneySavingExpert.com website and proceeds from sales of books written by the website's founder Martin Lewis, MSE Charity aims to help communities break the cycle of debt by helping people to become more financially aware.
This grant is closed to applications.
http://www.msecharity.com/how-to-apply
Ofgem - Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme (England, Scotland and Wales)
Charities and community groups in England, Scotland and Wales can apply for a share of £5 million to support projects that aid energy consumers in vulnerable situations to decrease their bills and carbon emissions, or for creating innovative products and services to reduce domestic energy use and carbon emissions.
The funding which is being made available through the Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme supports projects that assist households most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills by distributing payments from energy companies who may have violated Ofgem regulations.
This round of funding has four streams available, allowing charities to execute a range of innovative energy-related projects designed to address fuel poverty and support the transition to net zero. To apply, organisations must be registered with the Energy Redress Scheme. If an organization has not yet registered, they must do so 10 working days before the relevant fund closure to allow for eligibility checks.
Scottish Power Foundation (UK)
The Scottish Power Foundation provides support for charities and not for profit organisations across the UK. Funding is available for the following purposes: the advancement of education; the advancement of environmental protection; the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science; the prevention or relief of poverty and the relief of those in need by reason of disability or other disadvantage; the advancement of citizenship and community development.
This grant is closed to applications.
https://www.scottishpower.com/pages/about_the_scottishpower_foundation.aspx
Smallwood Trust - Women's Urgent Support Fund (UK)
The National Lottery Community Fund has provided £3.2 million in funding for the Women's Urgent Support Fund, which will respond to the cost-of-living crisis faced by women in the UK. The Fund will be administered by the Smallwood Trust, a specialist funder for UK women's organisations with 136 years of experience tackling gendered poverty.
The Fund will award £3 million in grants to 60 local community organisations serving women, allowing 20,000 women to access vital support services over five years.
https://www.smallwoodtrust.org.uk/news/smallwood-trust-announces-women%E2%80%99s-urgent-support-fund
United Utilities Trust Fund - Small Grant Funding (North West)
United Utilities Trust Fund is an independent grant-making trust set up through United Utilities Water Plc. The Trustees objectives are to help people in distress and financial hardship who are unable to meet the cost of water charges where the water or sewerage service provider is United Utilities Group plc. To be eligible for funding the project must enhance and develop the provision of debt/money advice services to individuals within the United Utilities Trust Fund geographical area; benefit people who are currently in hardship and who are unable to meet the costs of water and/or sewerage charges provided by United Utilities; and support a ‘deprived community'. Additionally the Trustees are looking for projects that help people/families: where children are living in poverty, using food banks, affected by welfare reform and to build financial stability.
This grant is closed to applications.
http://www.uutf.org.uk/information-for-organisations/organisational-grant-funding/
Warm Homes Fund (UK)
The Warm Homes Fund is a £150million fund administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions (AWS). The fund aims to help make households warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat. Running over 3-years and providing capital funding for the installation of affordable heating solutions in fuel-poor households who do not use mains gas as their primary heating fuel. The Fund is open to bids from local authorities, housing associations and their partners and is broadly split in to three categories focusing on urban, rural and healthrelated solutions. Successful proposals will highlight the number of fuel-poor households supported; strategic fit with the Governments Fuel Poverty Strategy; value for money; the benefit created i.e. energy efficiency increases and bill savings; and strength of delivery plans, project management and assurance of delivery.
This grant is closed to applications.
https://www.affordablewarmthsolutions.org.uk/warm-homes-fund/
Western Power Distribution - Community Matters Fund (Midlands, South West and South Wales)
The fund provides £500,000 to support charitable organisations in their response to holiday hunger. Applications are encouraged from organisations delivering projects that offer both short-term interventions to stop holiday hunger and longer term support to help reduce food poverty.
This grant is currently closed to applications.
https://www.westernpower.co.uk/community-matters-fund
Northern Powergrid - Community Partnering Fund (North of England)
Through the Northern Powergrid Community Partnering Fund, registered charities, community groups, and other not-for-profit organisations in the North of England can apply for grants for projects that focus on alleviating hardship associated with fuel poverty; promoting efficiency and its environmental impacts; encouraging education in STEM subjects; protecting vulnerable customers; and supporting communities to lower their carbon footprint.
Western Power Distribution - Energy Affordability Fund (Wales, the Midlands & the Southwest)
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, Western Power Distribution in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, is making grants of up to £20,000 available to not-for-profit energy advice organisations seeking to help vulnerable people struggling to pay their heating bills. The Energy Affordability Fund will support affordable warmth initiatives in Wales, the Midlands and the Southwest during autumn/winter 2022-23 that deliver in-depth advice and support to enable disadvantaged people, especially those which are often excluded and not easily able to access energy advice services, to carry out home improvements to make their homes more energy efficient, lower and manage their bills, and increase their resilience to severe winter weather.
https://www.cse.org.uk/news/view/2712
