The Gambling Harms Prevention VCSE Grant Fund supports voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations working to prevent gambling‑related harm in England. Led by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) within the Department of Health and Social Care, the programme aims to build an independent, public‑health‑driven approach to early intervention and harm reduction.
Through this fund, organisations can deliver proven interventions or test new approaches to reach people at risk of gambling harm. Grant holders will also help develop the national evidence base on “what works”, independent of industry influence.
Key Details
- Opening date: 14 January 2026 (12pm)
- Closing date: 6 February 2026 (12pm)
- Fund size: £30 million over two years (April 2026–March 2028)
- Grant amount: £5,000 up to £3 million per year
- Eligibility: VCSE organisations delivering harm‑prevention activity in England
- Independence requirement: No funding or influence from the gambling industry from 1 April 2026
What the Fund Supports
The fund covers non‑clinical prevention, early‑intervention and recovery activities that help people understand, reduce or avoid gambling‑related harm. Projects may work with people who gamble or with affected others such as family members and communities. Activities may be local, regional or national and must demonstrate impact and value for money.
Capacity‑building is also in scope, including organisational development, skills, infrastructure and systems.
What the Fund Does Not Cover
The fund will not support clinical or therapeutic treatment, crisis services, general wellbeing programmes without a core gambling‑harm component, projects influenced by the gambling industry, international work, large capital costs, or financial assistance to individuals.
Application and Assessment
Organisations may submit one lead application, which may include multiple projects. Consortium participation is allowed. Applications will be assessed by independent panels, and successful applicants will be required to submit quarterly monitoring data through a national digital system.