Community Matters Fund (Energy Affordability) 2026 is now open for applications

This autumn, National Grid Electricity Distribution and Localgiving are partnering to provide grants to charitable organisations working to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy affordability in their communities.

As temperatures begin to fall, many communities continue to experience cost of living challenges, increasing demand for support from households seeking advice on energy efficiency, affordability and keeping warm over the winter months. 

To address this, the latest edition of the long-running Community Matters Fund, focuses on energy affordability and the creation of a £500,000 funding pot to support grassroots organisations that serve economically disadvantaged areas and target historically under-represented and marginalised groups. We understand the need is often urgent, so the application process is straightforward and funds will be distributed quickly. 

The Fund opened on Tuesday 22nd September and will close at 5pm on Friday 16th October.  

Registered charities or non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for up to £5,000; constituted charitable organisations with no charity number can apply for up to £2,000. 

Applications which achieve a long-term impact by helping people save money on their household energy bills on an ongoing, sustainable basis are especially encouraged. Applications from projects which will deliver long-term benefits will be particularly welcome. 

Successful projects will need to meet one or more of the following themes:

• Distributing warm packs or energy efficiency measures (i.e. warm blankets, radiator keys, insulated curtains, draught excluders) for home usage
• Visiting isolated households to help people make their homes warmer and more energy efficient
• Running a warm space in a community building
• Improving the energy efficiency of a community building used as a warm space
• Providing tariff switching, energy saving, winter fuel discount, or other fuel poverty advice

National Grid Electricity Distribution provides electricity to eight million customers across the Midlands, Southwest England, and South Wales. Funding is available for registered charities, charitable companies, and unregistered community organisations based in these locations.

---> Check if your organisation is eligible and start your application here.

f you are an existing Localgiving member then simply log into your account, a link to the application form can be found by clicking on the ‘Find Grants’ section of your account displayed on the left-hand side of your dashboard and then clicking on the "Localgiving Grants" tab.

Further information about the process can be found in our Guidance Document  which includes important eligibility information and FAQs.

The programme application window will open at midday on Tuesday 22^nd September and close at 5pm Friday 16^th October. Organisations that complete applications will be informed of the outcome of their application by mid-November, with funds distributed to successful applicants before December. Projects must be delivered, and funding spent by 31st March 2027. 

---> Check if your organisation is eligible and start your application here.

Have questions or need additional help, then Contact Us today and our Community Team will be happy to assist.