Grant News

The National Grid and Localgiving, a UK-based platform that connects small charities and community groups with funding opportunities, have launched the Community Matters Fund (Energy Affordability). The aim of the fund is to support grassroots charities that are addressing fuel poverty in England and Wales.

Up to £500,000 is available in grant funding, with awards of £5,000 for registered charities or non-profit companies and £2,000 for constituted community groups without a formal charity number. The aim is to support projects in areas where energy costs and living pressures have escalated.

The fund supports projects such as distributing warm packs or energy efficiency kits, running warm-spaces, retrofitting insulation in community buildings, offering tariff switching or energy-usage advice, or visiting vulnerable households. The focus is on sustainable impact—not just one-off handouts.

To apply, charity and community groups within National Grid Electricity Distribution’s network—serving parts of the Midlands, South West England and South Wales—should log in or register via Localgiving. Guidance materials and eligibility checklists are available online.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 24 October 2025. Decisions will be announced in late November and funds distributed before December. All awarded projects must be completed and funds spent by 31 March 2026.