UK grants finder

UK charity grants you may qualify for.

Last verified 5 Jun 2026 · Source Turn2us (Charity 207766) + 3,500+ UK charity grant database

3,500+ UK charity grants exist for low-income, disabled, carer, redundant, bereaved, single-parent, refugee + care-leaver households. Most go unclaimed because nobody tells you they exist. Pick your situation — Sorted surfaces the top UK grants for each, with eligibility + amount + how to apply.

Honest about how this works. The canonical UK grants database is Turn2us (Charity 207766) — they maintain 3,500+ UK trusts + funds. SortedUK surfaces a curated situational map of the highest-value grants per life situation, with a direct link to apply. Always cross-check on Turn2us for the full eligibility detail + any newer trusts. We earn no referral fees from any of them.

3,500+UK charity grants tracked by Turn2usTurn2us 2024

£500Average UK charity grantTurn2us avg award

£24bnUK money missed annuallyPolicy in Practice 2025

£0Application fee for any UK grantNo-cost route

Pick your situation

Each opens the top UK charity grants + statutory routes for that life situation.

👩‍👧8 routes

Single parent

Gingerbread, Family Fund, Sure Start grants

♿9 routes

Disabled adult or child

Family Fund, Independence at Home, Scope

💗6 routes

Unpaid carer

Carers Trust, Independence at Home, Charis

🛑6 routes

Recently redundant

Charis, Trussell, Buttle UK, local welfare

🕯5 routes

Recently bereaved

DWP BSP, Funeral Expenses, Cruse, local funds

📉7 routes

Low income / working poor

Buttle UK, Charis, Family Action, food bank

🤰5 routes

Pregnancy / new baby

Sure Start, Healthy Start, NCT crisis

🧠5 routes

Mental health crisis

SANE, Mind, Rethink, local mental health

🌍6 routes

Refugee / asylum / migrant

Refugee Council, JCWI, City of Sanctuary

🌱5 routes

Care leaver / care experienced

Buttle UK, Care Leavers Foundation, Fostering Network

Single parent — charity grants + statutory support

UK single-parent households face higher poverty risk + specific access to lone-parent grants + statutory benefits. The bigger money is usually in benefits (UC + Child Benefit + 30 free hours + Tax-Free Childcare + free school meals); charity grants top up emergencies.

Gingerbread — single-parent advice + grants

Varies

UK's single-parent charity (charity 230750). Free expert advice on UC, child maintenance, employment, housing. Some local Gingerbread groups have hardship funds.

Helpline: 0808 802 0925Apply: gingerbread.org.uk

Family Fund (UK)

£300-£2,000 typical

Grants for low-income families raising a disabled or seriously ill child. Equipment, kitchen items, family breaks, sensory toys. UK-wide.

Eligibility: disabled child + on UC/HB/legacy benefitsApply: familyfund.org.uk

Sure Start Maternity Grant

£500 one-off

DWP statutory one-off payment for new babies if you're on certain benefits. England + Wales. Apply within 6 months of birth.

Eligibility: UC/IS/JSA + first baby usuallyApply: gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant

Best Start Grant (Scotland)

£642 first baby + more

Scotland equivalent of Sure Start. Bigger amounts: £642 first baby Best Start Grant + £252 each subsequent + £314 early-learning age + £282 school-age.

Eligibility: on certain Scottish benefitsApply: mygov.scot/best-start-grant

Buttle UK Chances for Children

Up to £2,000

UK charity grants for children + young people facing crisis. Individual application. Strong for educational + welfare needs.

Apply via: referrer (social worker, charity, school)Site: buttleuk.org

Family Action FOOD Clubs + grants

Varies + food access

UK charity (FA 264713). Operates FOOD Clubs (£3.50/week for £15 of groceries) + Welfare Grants Programme for individuals.

Apply: via referralSite: family-action.org.uk

Local council Household Support Fund

£100-£500 typical

Every English council has emergency-support funding until 31 March 2026. Apply via council website. Same-day to 14-day decisions.

Find council: gov.uk/find-local-councilNote: Scotland/Wales have separate schemes

School uniform grant (council-administered)

£80-£150/child

Most UK councils offer free or subsidised school uniform grants for low-income families. Worth checking even if not on means-tested benefits.

Apply: council website · usually annualBonus: free school meals = Pupil Premium funding too

SortedUK: also run /better-off scan for full UK benefits sweep + /family hub for school + childcare + emergency money routes. Always cross-check on Turn2us for newer single-parent trusts.

Disabled adult or child — UK statutory + charity grants

UK statutory benefits (PIP, Attendance Allowance, DLA for under-16s) are the bigger wins. Charity grants help with: equipment, adaptations the council won't fund, respite, family activities.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Up to £30,000

UK statutory grant from your council for home adaptations — stairlift, walk-in shower, ramp, downstairs bathroom. England £30k cap; Wales £36k; NI £25k. Children's grants not means-tested.

Apply via: council Occupational Therapy referralStatute: Housing Grants CRA 1996

Family Fund

£300-£2,000 typical

Top UK grant route for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child under 18. Equipment, breaks, kitchen appliances.

Eligibility: low-income + disabled childApply: familyfund.org.uk

Independence at Home

Avg £500-£3,000

UK charity (1141253) grants for people with long-term illness or disability. Covers equipment, adaptations, beds, white goods. Application via professional referrer.

Site: independenceathome.org.uk

Scope — family support fund

Varies

UK charity (208231) running emergency funds for disabled people + carers. Also operates UK helpline 0808 800 3333 for benefits help.

Site: scope.org.uk

Newlife Foundation

Up to £4,000 equipment

UK charity providing free specialist equipment for disabled + terminally ill children. Sensory toys, postural support, beds, communication aids.

Site: newlifecharity.co.uk

Mencap — learning disability charity

Varies

UK charity (222377) running learning-disability support including small individual hardship grants + benefits/advocacy help. Free helpline 0808 808 1111.

Site: mencap.org.uk

Caudwell Children

Equipment + therapies

UK charity providing specialist therapy + equipment + family-support packages for disabled children + young people up to 25.

Site: caudwellchildren.com

Rainbow Trust

Family support hours

Free practical + emotional support for UK families with a child who has a life-threatening or terminal illness. Practical support hours, financial help via case-workers.

Site: rainbowtrust.org.uk

Local council Discretionary Housing Payment

Variable top-up

If rent + Housing Benefit/UC don't quite balance, DHP can top up. Strong route if disability-related rent costs are high.

Apply: your council

SortedUK: /disabled-facilities-grant guide, /attendance-allowance (66+), /pip guide. Cross-check at Turn2us for niche disability + condition-specific trusts.

Unpaid carer — UK carer-specific support

If you care 20+ hours/week for someone, you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance, Carer Premium UC, NI credits + various carer-specific grants for respite, technology + household.

Carers Trust grants programme

Avg £300-£800

UK national carer charity (1145181) operating local Carer Centre Network. Many local Carer Centres offer small respite/wellbeing grants for unpaid carers.

Find centre: carers.org

Carers UK Grant Fund

£300 typical

UK carer charity (246329) maintains a small grants fund + free benefits/employment advice helpline 0808 808 7777.

Site: carersuk.org

Independence at Home

£500-£3,000

Equipment + adaptation grants for the cared-for person which helps the carer too. Strong on items social services don't fund.

Site: independenceathome.org.uk

Charis Grants

£200-£500

Charis Grants administer several UK energy hardship + carer-support funds (British Gas Energy Trust, EDF Customer Support Fund). Strong route if energy bills are crushing.

Site: charisgrants.com

British Gas Energy Trust (open to anyone)

Up to £1,500

Grants of up to £1,500 for clearing energy debt. Open to anyone in UK financial hardship — you don't have to be a BG customer.

Site: britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

Cinnamon Trust (carers of pets)

Free pet care

UK national charity for elderly + terminally ill pet owners + their pets. Volunteer dog walking, fostering, in-kind support.

Site: cinnamon.org.uk

SortedUK: /carers-allowance guide, /parent-care hub. Cross-check at Turn2us for niche occupation-related carer trusts.

Recently redundant — UK grants + UC routes

UK statutory redundancy pay first (up to £700/wk × 30 weeks cap). Then UC Advance Payment in 3 days. Then occupational/charity grants while you find work.

UC Advance Payment

Up to first UC instalment

Interest-free advance within 3 working days of UC claim. Repaid from later UC over 24 months. Critical bridge while you wait for first UC payment.

Apply: gov.uk/universal-credit/get-an-advance-first-payment

Charis Grants — energy/hardship funds

£300-£1,500

Operates British Gas Energy Trust, EDF Customer Support Fund. Open to anyone in UK financial difficulty — including post-redundancy.

Site: charisgrants.com

Trussell Trust food bank network

3-day emergency food parcel

1,400+ UK food bank centres. Refer via Citizens Advice, GP, school, council. Three-day emergency food parcel.

Find: trusselltrust.org · helpline 0808 208 2138

Occupational benevolent funds

Varies widely

Most UK industries have benevolent funds for past members. Examples: The Royal Theatrical Fund (theatre), Care Workers' Charity, Construction Industry Helpline 0345 605 1956, HospitalityAction 0808 802 0282.

Cross-check: Turn2us by occupation

Local council Household Support Fund

£100-£500

Available until 31 March 2026 in every English council. Emergency cash, vouchers, energy support.

Apply: via council website

Skills Bootcamp + free training

Free training + interview

Not a cash grant but huge value: 12-16 weeks free training (DDaT/digital/construction/green skills) with guaranteed interview at end.

Apply: gov.uk/skills-bootcamps

SortedUK: /crisis-mode · job loss for full 7-day plan. /earn-more for free UK training routes. Cross-check at Turn2us for your specific occupation's benevolent fund.

Recently bereaved — UK statutory + funeral support

UK statutory Bereavement Support Payment is up to £9,800 over 18 months if partner died before State Pension age. Funeral Expenses Payment up to £1,000 + burial/cremation if on certain benefits.

Bereavement Support Payment (DWP)

Up to £9,800 / 18 months

£3,500 lump sum + £350/month for 18 months if partner died before State Pension age. Apply within 21 months of death.

Apply: gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment

Funeral Expenses Payment

Up to £1,000 + costs

DWP support if you're responsible for funeral costs + on certain benefits. Covers burial/cremation + £1,000 toward other costs. England + Wales.

Apply: gov.uk/funeral-payments

Funeral Support Payment (Scotland)

£1,257.75 standard

Scotland equivalent. £1,257.75 standard rate + burial/cremation fees. Higher rate for those on certain benefits.

Apply: mygov.scot/funeral-support-payment

Cruse Bereavement Support

Free emotional support

UK national bereavement charity (208078). Free helpline + Hope Again for young people. Not grants but vital support.

Helpline: 0808 808 1677

Local council bereavement support

Varies

Many UK councils have hardship-specific funds covering funeral costs, council tax discounts, water/utility help during bereavement period.

Apply: via council Welfare Rights or housing options team

SortedUK: /crisis-mode · bereavement covers the first 14 days + Tell Us Once. /family-protection covers wills + funerals + probate.

Low income / working poor — UK grants + statutory top-ups

Statutory routes (UC, Working Tax Credit successor, Council Tax Reduction, social tariffs) are bigger money. Charity grants help with one-off crisis costs + items benefits don't cover.

Charis Grants — energy + hardship

£300-£1,500

Administers British Gas Energy Trust, EDF Customer Support Fund, OVO Hardship Fund. Open to anyone in UK financial difficulty.

Site: charisgrants.com

Buttle UK Chances for Children

Up to £2,000

UK charity grants for children/young people in crisis. Application via referrer (school, social worker, charity).

Site: buttleuk.org

Family Action (FA) Welfare Grants

Varies + practical

UK charity (264713) running FOOD Clubs (£3.50/week for £15 groceries) + Welfare Grants Programme. Strong on practical + ongoing support.

Site: family-action.org.uk

Trussell Trust + IFAN food banks

3-day emergency parcel

UK's largest food bank network (Trussell) + Independent Food Aid Network. Free emergency food via referral.

Find: trusselltrust.org + foodaidnetwork.org.uk

Council Tax Reduction

Up to 100% off

Statutory UK council scheme for low-income households. Avg award £900/yr (Policy in Practice 2025). Apply at your council.

Apply: gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

Water + broadband social tariffs

£200-£400 + £240/yr

Most UK water + broadband providers offer social tariffs for low-income households. £15-£25/month broadband; capped water bill.

Apply: direct to your supplier

Local council Household Support Fund

£100-£500

Until 31 March 2026 in every English council. Apply for emergency support.

Apply: council website

SortedUK: /better-off scan finds £500-£6,000/yr typical. /which-debt-first for debt + emergency money. Cross-check at Turn2us for occupation-specific trusts.

Pregnancy / new baby — NHS + DWP + charity

Healthy Start NHS vouchers + Sure Start Maternity Grant + Best Start Grant (Scotland) are the main statutory routes. Charity grants help with equipment + emergency family costs.

Healthy Start NHS vouchers + vitamins

£4.25-£8.50/week

NHS vouchers for food + free vitamins for pregnancy + under-4s on certain benefits. Loaded to a prepaid card.

Apply: healthystart.nhs.uk

Sure Start Maternity Grant

£500 one-off

DWP one-off payment for new babies if you're on certain benefits + no other children under 16 in household. England + Wales.

Apply: gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant within 6 months

Best Start Grant (Scotland)

£642 + more stages

£642 first baby Best Start Grant + £252 each subsequent + early learning + school age payments. Scotland only.

Apply: mygov.scot/best-start-grant

NCT crisis grants

Equipment + breastfeeding

UK national childbirth + parenting charity (801395) operates limited UK crisis grants + free pregnancy/parenting support helpline 0300 330 0700.

Site: nct.org.uk

Maternity Action emergency advice

Free legal advice

UK charity (1128776) specialist UK maternity rights + benefits advice. Free helpline 0808 802 0029.

Site: maternityaction.org.uk

SortedUK: /pregnancy-journey covers UK week-by-week pregnancy benefits. /healthy-start guide. /family hub for childcare + school routes.

Mental health crisis — UK statutory + charity

Free 24/7 UK support is the priority. Charity grants exist for crisis costs + specialist treatments.

Mental Health Breathing Space (debt pause)

Indefinite during treatment + 30 days

Statutory legal pause on debts during mental health crisis treatment + 30 days after. Apply via approved Mental Health Professional. Free.

Statute: Debt Respite Scheme Regs 2020

SANE Crisis grants

Small + emergency

UK mental health charity (296572) running small individual hardship grants. Free helpline SANEline 0300 304 7000.

Site: sane.org.uk

Mind — local mind grants

Varies

UK mental health charity (219830) has Local Minds offering some emergency grants + ongoing support. Free Infoline 0300 123 3393.

Site: mind.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness

Specialist support

UK charity (271028) for severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar). Free advice line 0808 801 0525. Legal team for Mental Health Act issues.

Site: rethink.org

Local council emergency support

Variable

Many UK councils have specific mental health crisis funds via adult social care assessment under Care Act 2014.

Apply: council adult social care

SortedUK: /crisis-mode · mental health covers 24/7 routes. /tonight for calm immediate help.

Refugee / asylum / migrant — UK specialist routes

UK asylum support (Section 95) + specialist charity grants + free OISC-regulated immigration advice. Never pay an unregulated immigration adviser — it's a UK criminal offence.

UK Asylum Support (Section 95)

£49.18/week + housing

Statutory asylum support if you're destitute + awaiting asylum decision. Includes housing (often dispersal accommodation) + cash for essentials.

Apply: gov.uk/asylum-support

UK Refugee Council

Specialist help + small grants

UK national refugee charity (1014576). Free specialist immigration + asylum advice. Some emergency hardship grants for refugees + asylum seekers.

Helpline: 0808 169 4150

JCWI — Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants

Legal advice + clinics

UK charity specialising in immigration law. Free advice clinics. Strong on family reunion + judicial review.

Site: jcwi.org.uk

British Red Cross refugee support

Emergency packs + cash

UK charity (220949) runs emergency packs (clothing, hygiene), small cash payments + family-tracing services for refugees + asylum seekers.

Site: redcross.org.uk

City of Sanctuary network

Local support hubs

UK movement with 100+ Cities of Sanctuary. Local hubs offer English classes, food, social activities + signposting to local resources.

Site: cityofsanctuary.org

Help Refugees / Choose Love

Item donations

UK charity running emergency item donations + funding for grassroots refugee groups. Strong on warm clothing during winter.

Site: chooselove.org

SortedUK: never give immigration advice ourselves (OISC-regulation requirement). Always route to /find-professional for OISC-registered advisers + Refugee Council + JCWI.

Care leaver / care experienced — UK targeted support

UK statutory leaving-care support runs to age 25 (Children + Social Work Act 2017). Personal Adviser entitlement, education bursary, accommodation support, council tax exemption.

Setting Up Home grant (statutory)

£3,000+ varies by council

Every UK council must offer Setting Up Home Allowance for care leavers moving to independent accommodation. Statutory under Children Act + extension to 25.

Apply: via Personal Adviser

Care Leaver Council Tax exemption

100% off Council Tax to 25

~120 UK councils now offer 100% Council Tax exemption for care leavers up to age 25. Worth checking your council.

Apply: council Council Tax team

Buttle UK Chances for Children

Up to £2,000

Strong for care leavers + care-experienced young people. Educational equipment, household items, transition costs.

Apply: via referrer

Care Leavers Foundation

£100-£500

UK charity (1106920) specifically for care leavers age 16-29 facing crisis. Small individual grants.

Site: thecareleaversfoundation.org

Higher Education Bursary (statutory)

£2,000 lump sum

UK Higher Education Bursary for care leavers entering HE. Paid by local authority. Plus universities have additional bursaries.

Apply: via local authority PA

SortedUK: /family hub covers UK family + childcare routes. /employment for first-job navigation. Cross-check at Turn2us for care-specific trusts.

The complete UK grants database.

This page surfaces ~70 of the highest-value UK charity + statutory grants per situation. The full canonical UK database is at Turn2us Grants Search — 3,500+ UK trusts including occupation-specific funds (every UK profession has at least one benevolent fund) + faith-based grants + region-specific local trusts.

SortedUK's value here is situational discovery + cross-link to the wider UK schemes Sorted already covers (/better-off for benefits sweep, /local-help for council Household Support Fund, /crisis-mode for emergency money). Use both: this page for the top-impact grants, Turn2us for completeness.

No application fees should ever be charged for any UK charity grant. If a "grant service" charges you to apply, it's not legitimate — walk away.

Apply to everything you may qualify for.

Most UK adults underclaim because they don't know what exists. This page is for situational discovery. Turn2us is for completeness. SortedUK's Better Off scan is for benefits. Use all three.

Run Better Off scan Turn2us Grants Search → Save my plan