When money is tight and you face a cost you cannot meet, a grant from a charity can be a real lifeline, and unlike a loan it never has to be repaid. There are thousands of charities giving grants for all kinds of needs, yet this help is widely unknown. This guide explains charitable grants, what they can help with, and how to find ones you might qualify for.
What charitable grants are
Charitable grants are sums of money, or sometimes goods, given by charities and other organisations to people in need, which do not have to be paid back. They are completely separate from benefits, and getting one does not usually affect your benefits. Grants can come from large national charities, small local ones, and funds linked to particular jobs, conditions or circumstances, and together they help large numbers of people every year.
What they can help with
Grants can help with a wide range of needs, such as essential household items like a cooker, fridge or washing machine, furniture, clothing, help with bills or debts, costs related to a disability or illness, education and training, and the extra costs that come with a particular life event or crisis. Some grants are for very specific things, while others are more general, so there is often help available whatever your situation.
Grants based on your circumstances
Many grants are aimed at people in particular circumstances. There are charities for people who have worked in certain jobs or industries, sometimes called benevolent funds, charities for people with a particular illness or disability, and charities for specific groups such as carers, older people, or families with children. Because so many grants are tied to circumstances like these, it is worth thinking about all the things that might describe you when you search.
How to find grants
The easiest way to find grants you might qualify for is to use a grants search tool, which lets you enter your circumstances and shows charities that might help you. Advice agencies can also help you search and apply. When you look, think broadly about your situation, including your current and former jobs, any health conditions, your age, where you live, and any particular difficulties you face, as each of these could open up a different source of help.
How to apply
Each charity has its own application process, but you will usually need to explain your situation, what you need help with, and your financial circumstances. Some ask you to apply through an adviser, such as a Citizens Advice caseworker or a social worker, rather than directly. Taking care to explain your situation clearly and honestly, and providing any information asked for, gives your application the best chance of success.
Grants do not affect your benefits
One of the best things about charitable grants is that, in most cases, receiving one does not affect your benefits, because they are not usually treated as income in the way earnings are. This means a grant is genuinely extra help on top of your benefits, without reducing them. If you are ever unsure how a particular grant might interact with your benefits, an adviser can check, but for most grants there is nothing to worry about.
Do not be put off applying
Many people feel uncomfortable about applying for charitable help, but these funds exist precisely to be used, and applying is nothing to be ashamed of. The charities want to help people in need, and a grant can make a real difference at a difficult time. If you are struggling and there is a grant you might qualify for, it is well worth applying, as the worst that can happen is that you are not successful, and you may get exactly the help you need.
Local charities and community help
As well as national charities, there are many small, local charities and community organisations that help people in their area, sometimes with very specific needs. These can be harder to find, but local advice agencies, councils and community centres often know about them. If you are struggling, it is worth asking locally as well as searching national databases, as there may be help close to home that is not widely advertised.
Grants for disability and illness
If you or a family member has a disability or health condition, there are often grants available to help with the extra costs involved, such as equipment, adaptations, or a break. Charities linked to particular conditions are a good place to start, and some grants help with the general extra costs of disability. Because these costs can be significant, and the grants do not have to be repaid, they are well worth seeking out if they apply to you.
Be wary of scams
While genuine charitable grants are a valuable source of help, be cautious of anyone who asks you to pay a fee to access a grant, or who contacts you out of the blue promising money in return for your bank details. Genuine grant-giving charities do not charge you to apply. If something feels wrong, check with a trusted advice agency before giving any information, so you get the real help that is available without falling victim to a scam.
Applying through an adviser
Some charities will only accept applications made through a third party, such as a Citizens Advice caseworker, a social worker, or another support worker, rather than directly from the person in need. This is partly to make sure the help reaches genuine cases. If you find a grant that needs an application through an adviser, contact a local advice agency, who can often help you apply, so do not be put off by this requirement.
Grants alongside other help
Charitable grants work best as part of a wider plan rather than on their own. Alongside applying for a grant, make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to, dealing with any priority debts, and using other help such as council hardship funds. A grant can solve an immediate problem, but combining it with a full benefits check and good advice gives you the best chance of getting on top of your finances for the longer term.
In short
Charitable grants are money or goods given by charities that you do not have to repay, and that usually do not affect your benefits. They can help with household items, bills, costs of illness or disability, and much more. Use a grants search tool, think broadly about your circumstances, and do not be put off applying, as there is a great deal of help available.
Worth the effort
Searching and applying for charitable grants takes a little effort, but the reward can be significant: money or essential items that you do not have to repay, at a time when you really need them. Because so many people never apply, a great deal of charitable help goes unused each year. If you are facing a cost you cannot meet, it is well worth spending some time searching for grants and applying, as the help is there for people in exactly your situation.
Where to get help
Citizens Advice and grant search tools such as Turn2us can help you find and apply for grants. See our guides to help from your council and Budgeting Advances and Loans for more help with essential costs.