The Henry Smith Foundation has launched Proud Homes, a new fund supporting homelessness services to become safer and more inclusive for LGBT+ young people. Around one in four young people experiencing homelessness identifies as LGBT+, yet many first access generalist services where they may not feel safe, heard or represented.
Through Proud Homes, the Henry Smith Foundation will fund up to six generalist homelessness organisations to strengthen how they assess, place and support LGBT+ young people. A further one to two grants will support organisations already demonstrating strong inclusive practice. The fund focuses on sustained organisational change, rather than one‑off training or short‑term projects.
Funded work may include improved intake and assessment processes, trained and supported keyworkers, stronger safeguarding, and changes to culture and systems so that services feel safe from the outset. When young people feel safe in a service, they are more likely to stay engaged and benefit from ongoing support.
Proud Homes sits within the Henry Smith Foundation’s Building Independence Programme, which centres youth voice, lived experience and trusted adult relationships to help young people thrive as they move into adulthood.
Grant details
- Grant amount: £200,000 (£50,000 per year)
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligible organisations: UK not‑for‑profit organisations delivering generalist homelessness services
- Income range: £250,000–£3 million
- Application deadline: Friday 24 July 2026