Grants & Charitable Funding

Many people are unaware that charities, trusts, foundations, local organisations, community groups, and grant-making bodies may provide financial assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship.

Grants can help people facing financial difficulties because of disability, illness, caring responsibilities, bereavement, housing difficulties, unemployment, education costs, family pressures, or unexpected life events.

Unlike loans, grants generally do not need to be repaid, although eligibility rules and conditions may apply.

Right First Time UK aims to provide balanced, accessible, and supportive information to help individuals and families understand grant funding, charitable assistance, financial support schemes, legal protections, and available sources of help.

Seeking support early can often improve financial stability and reduce hardship.

Everyone deserves dignity, fairness, and access to information about support that may be available.

What Are Grants & Charitable Funds?

Grants are financial awards provided by organisations to help people meet specific needs or overcome financial difficulties.

Grants may be provided by:

• Charities
• Trusts
• Foundations
• Community organisations
• Local authorities
• Professional benevolent funds
• Trade organisations
• Religious organisations
• Veterans' charities
• Disability charities

Unlike credit or loans, grants are generally intended to provide support without creating additional debt.

Support may be available for a wide variety of circumstances.

Understanding Financial Rights & Legal Protections

Several important laws and public duties help support people experiencing financial hardship.

These include:

• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Care Act 2014
• Children Act 1989
• Children Act 2004
• Welfare Reform Act 2012
• Social Security Administration Act 1992
• Armed Forces Covenant
• Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Public Sector Equality Duty

These legal protections may support:

• Access to services
• Equality and non-discrimination
• Disability rights
• Child welfare
• Housing stability
• Safeguarding responsibilities
• Welfare support

Public authorities and organisations may have additional responsibilities when supporting vulnerable individuals and families.

Disability-Related Grants & Support

People living with disabilities, long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, or mobility difficulties often face additional costs.

Grants may help with:

• Specialist equipment
• Mobility support
• Household adaptations
• Technology
• Travel costs
• Daily living expenses
• Independent living support

Support may be available through:

• Disability charities
• Benevolent funds
• Local grant programmes
• Community organisations

Government Information

Personal Independence Payment (PIP):
https://www.gov.uk/pip

Disabled Facilities Grants:
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants

Disability Rights UK:
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Household Items & Essential Living Grants

Financial hardship can sometimes make it difficult to afford essential household items.

Some grant programmes may help with:

• Beds
• Mattresses
• Cookers
• Fridges
• Freezers
• Washing machines
• Furniture
• Flooring
• Essential home items

Support may be available through:

• Local welfare schemes
• Housing providers
• Community organisations
• Charitable trusts

Eligibility requirements vary.

Energy Support Grants

Energy costs can place significant pressure on household finances.

Some organisations provide grants or hardship support for:

• Electricity bills
• Gas bills
• Heating costs
• Fuel debt
• Emergency energy support

Support may be available through:

• Energy supplier hardship funds
• Charitable grant programmes
• Household Support Fund schemes
• Local welfare assistance

Government Information

Warm Home Discount:
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Help With Energy Bills:
https://www.gov.uk/help-energy-bills

Ofgem Consumer Information:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers

Education & Training Grants

Financial support may be available for people seeking education, training, skills development, or employment opportunities.

Grants may assist with:

• Course costs
• Learning materials
• Equipment
• Travel expenses
• Training opportunities
• Professional development

Support may be available for:

• Young people
• Adult learners
• Disabled students
• Carers
• Veterans
• People returning to employment

Government Information

Student Finance:
https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

Further Education Funding:
https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses

Grants for Young People

Some charities and grant programmes specifically support young people facing hardship or disadvantage.

Support may include:

• Educational assistance
• Training opportunities
• Equipment grants
• Activity funding
• Wellbeing support
• Crisis support

Additional support may be available for care-experienced young people and those facing financial hardship.

Government Information

Support for Young People:
https://www.gov.uk/browse/education

Support for Older People

Older adults may face financial pressures linked to retirement, illness, disability, caring responsibilities, or increased living costs.

Grant support may assist with:

• Home repairs
• Heating costs
• Household essentials
• Care-related expenses
• Independent living support

Government Information

Attendance Allowance:
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

Age UK:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk

Support for Carers

Unpaid carers often experience financial pressures while supporting loved ones.

Some grant programmes may help with:

• Respite opportunities
• Household costs
• Wellbeing support
• Training
• Emergency assistance

Support may be available through carers' organisations and charitable funds.

Government Information

Carer's Allowance:
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Carers UK:
https://www.carersuk.org

Support for Veterans & Armed Forces Communities

Veterans, serving personnel, and military families may be eligible for specialist support through military charities and benevolent funds.

Support may include:

• Housing assistance
• Financial hardship support
• Employment assistance
• Wellbeing services
• Crisis grants

The Armed Forces Covenant recognises the importance of ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly.

Government Information

Veterans Support:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-veterans

Veterans UK:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk

Royal British Legion:
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk

Bereavement Support Grants & Assistance

Bereavement can create both emotional and financial pressures.

Some support schemes may help with:

• Funeral costs
• Household expenses
• Crisis support
• Family assistance

Government support may be available in some circumstances.

Government Information

Funeral Expenses Payment:
https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

Bereavement Support Payment:
https://www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

Cruse Bereavement Support:
https://www.cruse.org.uk

Housing & Homelessness Related Grants

People experiencing housing difficulties may sometimes access grants or support schemes relating to:

• Rent arrears
• Housing essentials
• Furniture
• Homelessness prevention
• Tenancy sustainment

Support may be available through:

• Local authorities
• Housing associations
• Charitable organisations
• Welfare assistance schemes

Government Information

Homelessness Support:
https://www.gov.uk/if-youre-homeless-at-risk-of-homelessness

Housing Support:
https://www.gov.uk/housing-and-universal-credit

Using Grant Search Services

Many people are unaware of available grant funding.

Grant search organisations can help identify support that matches individual circumstances.

Turn2us

Provides a grants search service and benefits information.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk

Lightning Reach

Helps connect people with grants, support schemes, and financial assistance.

https://www.lightningreach.org

Family Fund

Supports families raising disabled or seriously ill children.

https://www.familyfund.org.uk

Equality Rights & Accessibility

People seeking grants and charitable support may have rights under the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable adjustments may include:

• Accessible applications
• Alternative communication formats
• Additional support completing forms
• Communication assistance
• Flexible processes

People should not face unfair barriers because of disability, health conditions, or communication needs.

Equality Information

Equality Act Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

Equality Advisory Support Service:
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

Practical Advice When Applying For Grants

Helpful steps may include:

• Research available funding carefully
• Check eligibility requirements
• Gather supporting evidence
• Keep copies of applications
• Apply as early as possible
• Seek support if forms are difficult to complete
• Ask for reasonable adjustments if needed
• Keep records of decisions and correspondence

Not every application will be successful, but many people are surprised by the amount of support that may be available.

Mental Health & Financial Hardship

Financial difficulties can affect emotional wellbeing.

People may experience:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Isolation
• Sleep difficulties
• Low mood
• Emotional exhaustion

Accessing financial support and practical assistance can sometimes reduce pressure and improve wellbeing.

Mental Health Support

NHS Mental Health Services:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Mind:
https://www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans:
https://www.samaritans.org

Getting Support Before Crisis Point

Seeking support early may help:

• Reduce financial hardship
• Improve housing stability
• Access specialist assistance
• Support family wellbeing
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve independence
• Prevent crisis situations

Eligibility requirements vary between organisations, and support may differ depending on individual circumstances.

Exploring available grants and charitable funding can be an important step toward improving financial wellbeing and stability.

Important Information

The information provided by Right First Time UK is for general guidance, awareness, and support purposes only.

Right First Time UK is not a grant-making organisation, funding body, financial adviser, or welfare agency.

Grant availability, eligibility criteria, and funding decisions vary between organisations and may change over time.

People seeking specialist welfare, housing, financial, legal, or advocacy support should contact appropriately qualified organisations or professionals.

Everyone deserves access to information, support, dignity, and opportunities to improve their circumstances during periods of financial hardship.