Applications open for Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund (UK)

Deadline: 16-Oct-23

This funding is for organisations that support people and communities under severe pressure because of the increased cost of living.

The main priority is to fund organisations supporting low-income households and individuals.

Focus Areas

• To apply your organisation must already run critical services around at least one of the following:
  • Food and emergency supplies – like food and baby banks or the provision of hot meals, clothes or toiletries.
  • Emergency shelter – like night shelters or other accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
  • Safe spaces – like domestic abuse services and youth services.
  • Warmth – like warm rooms and spaces.
  • Financial and housing advice – like giving people advice because of the increased cost of living.

Funding Information

• You can apply for between £10,000 and £75,000.

Who can apply?

• You can apply if your organisation is a:
  • registered, exempt or excepted charity (either incorporated or unincorporated);
  • charitable incorporated organisation (CIO);
  • not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (you must be a registered charity or have a not-for-profit ‘asset lock’ clause in your articles of association);
  • community interest company (CIC);
  • community benefit society;
  • co-operative society (you must have a not-for-profit ‘asset lock’ clause in your society rules and be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority).
• You need at least 2 board or committee members who are not related
  • Related can mean:
    • related by marriage;
    • in a civil partnership with each other;
    • in a long-term relationship with each other;
    • related through a long-term partner;
    • living together at the same address;
    • related by blood.
• They are more likely to fund small and medium-sized front-line organisations with an annual turnover of between £10,000 and around £1 million.
• Larger organisations can also apply if they do both of the following:
  • show that they work closely and effectively with local communities;
  • fill a gap in essential local services.

Who can not apply?

• They cannot accept applications from:
  • unincorporated associations (unless they are also a registered charity with the Charity Commission);
  • organisations that have already applied for this funding;
  • statutory bodies (including town, parish and community councils);
  • schools;
  • individuals;
  • sole traders;
  • one organisation applying on behalf of another or a partnership;
  • organisations that try to make profits and share these profits out privately. This includes organisations without the right asset locks. Or organisations that can pay profits to directors or shareholders.

For more information, visit National Lottery Community Fund.