Help the Homeless Grant Scheme

Background

Help The Homeless was founded in 1975 and, shortly thereafter, launched its first National Appeal chaired by Sir Robert Mark (the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police at the time), which raised an initial capital sum. Together with further donations and legacies, this capital has been managed and invested to produce income which is distributed in the form of grants.

Objectives of Fund

Help the Homeless is a small grant maker with limited funds available for giving.

It provides funding for charitable organisations with the aim of helping homeless people return to the community and enabling them to rebuild their lives.

Funding is targeted at projects to find practical ways to help disadvantaged individuals return to the community through training or residential facility provision, rather than merely providing short term shelter.

The reasons for being homeless vary enormously, but may include ill-health, those who are discharged offenders, addictions, family breakdown or other adverse circumstances. Homelessness is not just about the people that the public sees and thinks about – principally “rough sleepers” living on the streets – but a whole range of people who lack a stable home.

Previous Success

Previously awarded projects include:

• The charity Spear, which works with homeless people in and around Richmond, received a grant to help buy wardrobes for the hostel that they operate.
• The Cathedral Archer Project, a day centre that supports the homeless and vulnerable in Sheffield, received a grant to buy shelving and storage to help them sort food and make food parcels more efficiently.
• Furniture Plus, a Furniture Re-Use, Recycling and Repair charity based in Fife, received a grant to help with the construction of a new workshop for training.

Value Notes

Grants of up to £5,000 are available.

Who Can Apply

UK registered charities can apply. Charities must be registered with the Charity Commission in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

This fund is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized registered charities with an annual turnover of under £500,000.

Location

United Kingdom

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for fuunding:

• Individuals.
• Core and running costs (ie salaries, rent, etc)
• Computers.
• IT equipment.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding is for capital projects.

Projects must assist individuals in their return to mainstream society, rather than simply offering shelter or other forms of sustenance.

Applicants requiring funding for building work and refurbishment are advised to contact CRASH, the construction industry's charity for homeless people for advice.

How To Apply

Applications are considered quarterly. The deadlines each year are: 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, 15 December.

Notification of decision within eight weeks of each deadline.

Application forms are available to download from the Help the Homeless website and should be submitted by email with a copy of the organisation's most recent audited annual accounts.

There should be a minimum period of two years between the receipt of a grant and a further application.

Contact Help the Homeless for further information.