Grants

What are grants?

• Grants can help you with a number of things that you are struggling to pay for.
• They are often provided by councils or charitable organisations.
• You will not have to pay them back.

Grants can sometimes cover:

 

Educational costs

• SEN or EHCP support.
• Home tutoring.
•  Transport.
• Adaptations and extra equipment.

Energy costs

• Gas and electricity bills.
• Gas bottles.

Essential household items

• Food.
• Fridge/freezer.
• Cooker.
• Washing machine/dryer.
• Beds.
• Carpets.

Personal items

• Clothing.
• Electronic devices:
  • Tablets or laptops for educational purposes.

Larger types of grants

• Community grants to help fund local community projects.
• Business grants to help people start or fund their business. 

Why would I apply for a grant?

• There are many reasons you might apply for a grant.
• You could be entitled for a particular reason.
• But you may just be struggling to pay for things.

Here are some reasons you might apply for a grant:

Financial struggles

• You might be on benefits.
• These types of grants can sometimes be means tested.
  • Meaning your earnings and savings affect you getting the grant.
• You could be homeless and need money to pay for food or for rent.
• Food banks can help provide you with emergency food.
  • You will usually need a referral from an organisation.
• You could be struggling to pay for your:
• • Energy bills.
  • Essential household items for you and your family.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

• You have been diagnosed or have a child diagnosed with:
  • Special educational needs.
  • Conditions such as Autism and ADHD.
  • Mobility or sensory problems.
• Need help paying for your child's:
  • Tutoring.
  • Transport.
  • Equipment.

Disability or care 

• You could have a life altering or life ending condition.
• A disease or disability that prevents you from doing things easily.
• A terminal illness.
• You are in need of care:
  • Grants may be available to caregivers.

Community need

• Charities and voluntary groups might apply for grants to support:
  • Those suffering with their mental health.
  • Funding counselling and other activities.
  • Marginalised communities.
  • Kids clubs or after-school clubs.
• Local councils might use grants to help with:
  • Community centres.
  • Public facilities:
  • Local libraries.
  • Sports centres.
• Support for vulnerable groups:
  • Low-income families:
    • Food programmes.
    • School meal support.
  • Elderly people:
    • Home care assistance.
    • Social activities for older adults.
  • Disabled people:
    • Making public spaces accessible.
  • Housing and transport:
    • Developing housing projects.
    • Supporting projects for better public transport.

If you are interested in what community grants might be available then contact your local council.

Who can I ask about grants? 

• Your local Citizens Advice.
• Your local council.

What do I ask?

• Ask about the Household Support Fund, which may provide vouchers.
• Apply for the Discretionary Housing Payment to help with housing payments.
• If you need money to pay for fuel, ask about fuel vouchers.

How can I search for grants myself?

• Turn2Us grant search.
  • They will ask you questions about your situation.
  • And take you to the most appropriate grant.

Do I need a referral?

Grants you can refer yourself for:

• Lightning Reach:
  • Apply for help with grants or energy bills.
• St Vincent de Paul Society:
  • They help with shopping small things that make a difference.

Grants you will need a referral from an organisation for:

• Trussell Trust food banks:
  • You can find your nearest food bank using the link.
  • Most require a referral from another organisation, but some may not.
• BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme:
  • Can help with essential household items for children and families.
• Use our services directory to find other advice agencies and charities.
  • They might be able to suggest grant providers and help refer you.

Grants for people with disabilities or illness:

• Disabled Facilities Grants
  • Help fund making adjustments to your home such as:
    • Installing ramps or grab rails.
    • Make it easier to get and out of rooms and facilities, e.g. a stairlift.
    • Building an extension, e.g. a downstairs bedroom.
  • You will first need to apply for an occupational therapist (OT) assessment.
    • You can ask your GP about making a referral.
    • The OT will assess the needs of making adaptations. 
    • The council will provide the funding.
• Family Fund
  • Offer grants for families who raise a child or young person with:
    • A long-term disability.
    • Disabling condition.
    • Or life-limiting illness.
• And who live on a low income.
• They offer grants for many things like:
  • Play equipment.
  • Days out.
  • Computers and laptops.
  • Toys and games consoles
  • Kitchen appliances.
• Macmillan grants
  • You can apply if you are:
    • 18 or over.
    • Have a cancer diagnosis.
    • On low enough income and savings.
  • They offer £200 grants, which can go towards:
    • Energy bills.
    • Home adaptions.
    • Cost of travel to and from hospital.
  • You can apply by:
    • Phone on 0808 808 00 00.
    • Ask a medical professional to apply for you.

Ways you can apply for a grant yourself

• You will first have to find a grant first.
• You will usually have to fill out an application.
• This will often include:
  • Your details.
  • Reasons you need the grant.
  • Supporting evidence, e.g. medical records and financial statements.

Applying through an organisation or professional

• You will need to share details and evidence with them.
• They may need to ask you for very personal details.
• They also might need your written consent.

Ways to get help finding or filling in a grant application

• Look at your local council's website to find a grant to apply for.
  • They might be able to help you fill in an application.
• Use the Citizen's Advice or Turn2Us website to find an online application.
• Go into your local Citizen's Advice to ask for help filling in an application.
• Sometimes your local library might help you fill in a form.

Tips for making a good application

• Check that you are definitely eligible.
• Provide as much evidence as possible.
• Be clear and honest in your answers.
• Ask someone for help if needed.
• Submit before the deadline.