Smaller charities and voluntary and community organisations working with those most affected by and vulnerable to the increased cost of living can apply for grants of up to £2,500.
The summer 2026 round is only for applications seeking support in the following areas:
- Accommodation aid for shelters, women’s aid, homelessness assistance (food or housing) and help with appliances and household bills (case by case) – for example, an organisation focused on energy bills for the community.
- Food and utility banks for hygiene banks, baby banks, food poverty, resources for refugees and asylum seekers – for example, food vouchers, pet food, food/utility packages, and laundry services.
- Poverty relief and equal opportunities for disability groups and youth groups in lower-income areas – for example, funding for social activities or work experience, amateur sports clubs, and community-based trips (case by case).
Note: Starting this year, charities and community groups may submit one application per campaign (Cost-of-Living, Community Support, and Gear Up For Sport) per calendar year. If successful in one campaign, they are ineligible to apply for any other campaign within the same calendar year. Applications to multiple campaigns are permitted, provided only one application is submitted per campaign; however, the funder will only approve a maximum of one application per organisation. Additional applications to the same campaign within the same calendar year will be disqualified.
There is no set deadline for applications; however, it is recommended that groups apply as early as possible after the round opens, as applications may close early due to high demand.