Grant News

The Henry Smith Foundation has announced that its Maternity Equity Fund will open for expressions of interest on 3 September 2026. The fund is part of the Foundation’s Getting Started programme and aims to reduce avoidable harm and inequity during pregnancy and birth.

The Henry Smith Foundation is a grant-maker with a 400-year history of funding work to tackle poverty and create a more just society. The programme will support trusted community-led organisations delivering preventative, trauma-informed and culturally safe maternity support from conception up to birth.

Around 35 grants are expected to be awarded. Each grant is worth £185,000 over three years, with £61,600 in year one and £61,700 in years two and three. Applicants must spend at least £2,500 to £5,000 each year on staff wellbeing.

Eligible applicants include UK registered charities, CIOs, not-for-profit CICs with an asset lock, and other charitable not-for-profit organisations with annual income between £20,000 and £1.5 million.

• Projects must focus on communities experiencing the greatest maternity inequities.
• Projects must focus on any of the following. Black, Asian, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, people living in deprived areas, and those experiencing complex or multiple disadvantages.
• Postnatal organisations may apply, but funding is restricted to preventative project costs.
• Partnership applications are welcome.

Expressions of interest close at 5pm on 14 October 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application in the week beginning 9 November 2026.