Grant Directories

The Cheshire 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 Fund it Forward 2024 Programme the foundation provides grants of up to £10,000 to fund projects across Cheshire which have a lasting impact and contribute to reducing disadvantage over multiple years.

The 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 can provide the following kinds of items: Cookers; Furniture; Kitchen equipment and small appliances; Children’s beds and bedding (including cots); Washing machines and tumble dryers; Fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers; Baby equipment; Clothing for an emergency/crisis. Applications can only be made by a registered referrer.

The Cosaraf Charitable Foundation Hardship Grant provides funding of up to £500 to help with the following: Household items (white goods and occasionally other items i.e. sofas, wardrobes etc.); Basic Living Expenses (Utilities or food); Work- or education-related expenses (interview clothes, school uniforms, laptops); Rent arrears and Council tax arrears, but only where there is a clear and obvious risk of homelessness (for rent arrears involving a social landlord please outline what support has already been offered to the tenant); Contribution to immigration-related costs, where the current immigration status directly causes financial hardship to the applicant. Applications will only be accepted from recognised social organisations such as charities, housing associations, schools and social services acting on behalf of a family or individual in need.

The Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation funds sustainable community projects throughout England, Scotland and Wales by making grants to support charities and community interest companies. The Foundation, has teamed up with Crowdfunder to make £100,000 in funding available. Organisations 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 deadline given.

The Royal British Legions Crisis Grant aims to support serving and ex-serving armed forces personnel and their families with unexpected expenses. The grant does not provide cash, but can provide essentials for applicants and their family in times of need. A grant might help you cover the costs of something like:  Vouchers to buy food; Funds for accommodation when someone is street homeless; Help to buy essentials; like clothing; Support with short notice travel costs (bus fare, petrol costs, etc). The RBL carefully consider the individual circumstances and needs, so don't hesitate to get in touch. However, help is not available for repayment of business debts, loans, legal expenses, medical care or where state assistance or statutory services are available.

The Royal British Legion Cost (RBL) of Living Grants are available to all serving and ex serving armed forces personnel, their dependents and carers. The programme is designed to allow the RBL to assist people who need help in a quick and easy way with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs.

Asda’s charity, Asda Foundation, is committed to supporting local communities through grant giving and they believe it takes a whole community working together to improve people's lives. Through the Cost of Living Grant the foundation aims to support local community groups following increases in their rent, utility bill and food costs as a result of the cost of living crisis.There are TWO options within this grant. Groups must be clear from the outset which option they intend to apply for: A) Increased rent and utility bill support; B) Increased food costs support. A group may decide to apply for a combination of the two options.

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.

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.

The Asda Foundation aims to transform communities and improve lives by providing independent grants and support to locally relevant community projects throughout the UK. Through the Under 18 Better Starts Grant, the Foundation provides funding of between £400 and £2000 to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The funding is available to not-for-profit organisations for projects which give children the best start in life, encourage them to be active, and which tackle poverty, inclusion and wellbeing. Projects could include breakfast clubs, food and clothing banks, arts and crafts groups, brownies, scouts, training for counsellors, U18 sporting/physical activity-based groups, and Easter and Jubilee Celebrations for U18’s. Applications should be made through each local Asda store’s Community Champion. 

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.

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.

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.

The Community Foundation for Merseyside 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 Huyton with Roby Trust programme the foundation provides grants of up to £1,000 to support a wide range of charitable projects that provide support, prevention and relief of poverty for people who live within the area of Huyton with Roby.

The Community Foundation for Merseyside 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 WO Street Transformation Fund the foundation provides grants of up to £2,000 to projects which aim to advance education and tackle poverty particularly for children and young people who are unable to meet their educational or living costs or projects for older people, blind people or disabled people, particularly those who cannot afford medical or convalescent care.

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 £2,000 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.

Rock FM Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Hits Radio Manchester Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Radio City Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Radio Aire Cash for Kids distributes money to registered charities, to individuals to pay for specialist equipment, to sports organisations and to specialist projects for schools & playgroups; Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Cash for Kids is Bauer Radio’s network of local charities, which operate across 22 areas around the UK. Its mission is to respond to the needs of children in their communities.  CFM Radio in Cumbria and South West Scotland provides funding through the Cash for Kids grant scheme to charities, schools and individuals to support local children who suffer abuse or neglect, are disabled and have special needs or who simply need extra care or guidance.

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 a critical need that cannot otherwise be met.

The Allen Lane Foundation is a grant-making trust with a focus is on funding unpopular causes. The overall aims of the Foundation are to make a lasting difference to people’s lives; reduce isolation, stigma and discrimination; and to encourage or enable unpopular groups to share in the life of the whole community.  Funding is available to reduce loneliness and isolation, improve physical and mental wellbeing, help maintain independence and a quality of life for older people. The Foundation recognises the growing impact of dementia within the older population and on families, especially those who care for people with dementia. The Foundation is keen to support projects that seek to develop community initiatives that offer sustainable, long term support for older people in communities.

The Woodroffe Benton Foundation is an independent grant making foundation for charities operating in the UK. It supports work that falls into the following categories: tackle poverty, provide care for the elderly, promote education and support environmental projects. Applications are welcome from UK charitable organisations for funding of between £500 and £2,500. The trustees prefer to contribute to core operating costs rather than a specific project. Applications are considered at quarterly meetings in January, April, July and October.

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 meet either of the following themes: Overcoming barriers to participation in physical activities in creative ways; Increasing social cohesion through developing access to sports and other recreational activities. 

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 type of projects supported to date have included support for foodbanks; projects within schools; and sports projects; etc.

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.

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 £70,000 per year for a maximum of three years is available to established organisations delivering services directly to beneficiaries. The Henry Smith Charity are looking for services which can demonstrate a track record of success, and evidence the effectiveness of the work.

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 £70,000 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. Funding is available for running costs which may include salaries, project costs, and small capital costs needed to support the work.

Grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 are available to schools and not for profit organisations that want to improve childrens health. Funding is provided through themed funding rounds. Funding rounds to date have included access to free drinking water as an alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages such as fizzy drinks, fruit drinks, and sports drinks and holiday food provision to ensure that children do not go hungry during school holidays.

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 health-related 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.

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. 

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 who 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.

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.

The Wilmcote Charitrust gives grants to Registered Charities and voluntary organisations working for the relief of poverty, sickness, old age and distress, the advancement of religion and education and such other charitable objects as considered appropriate by the trustees. Grants are made to a range of organisations including those whose work benefits ex-service personnel, medical charities, young person's charities, colleges and schools, religious charities and those that help the aged.

Tesco Community Grants support local projects that benefit children, families, and communities, with a focus on food security, education, and play. Eligible applicants include schools, registered charities, and non-profit organisations. Projects that can apply for funding include breakfast clubs, food-growing areas, and after-school clubs, as well as community-based initiatives like food banks and healthy eating programs. Voting for these projects occurs through Tesco's blue token system in stores, with the charity Groundwork UK administering the funds.

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.

The EDF Customer Support Fund helps those that are vulnerable with electricity or gas bill debts, and can also provide essential white goods such as a fridge or cooker. To be eligible you must be registered with EDF's Priority Services you will also need to have sought independent advice before you apply.

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust supports charities across the UK that focus on agriculture, rural development, and insurance-related initiatives. Key areas of support include education, research, rural poverty relief, and social welfare in rural communities. The trust funds larger projects that have a significant impact on these areas, with an emphasis on advancing public and youth education, agricultural research, and rural community development.

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.

Jewish Childs Day helps children who are blind, deaf, suffering from physical, learning or emotional difficulties; children who are abused, neglected, deprived or disadvantaged; children caught up in the ravages of terrorism and war; children caught in the poverty trap and children battling against severe illness or trauma. The grant offers many aspects including: wheelchairs and walking aids, educational and developmental computer equipment, therapy support and rehabilitation programmes, hearing stimulus and communication equipment, holidays, incubators, respirators, after school facilities, hot meals and home teaching for housebound children. Grants range from £500 - £5,000 and completed applications must be submitted by 30th December, 29th April and 26th August accordingly.

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 £7,500. 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.

The Tudor Trust is an independent grant-making trust which supports voluntary and community groups working in any part of the UK.  The Trust particularly want to help smaller, community-led organisations which work directly with people who are at the margins of society: organisations which support positive changes in people’s lives and in their communities. The Tudor Trust don't have specific funding programmes designed to advance a particular agenda as they believe that the groups they support are best placed to identify problems and develop solutions.