APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED 

This Winter, National Grid’s electricity distribution business has teamed up with Localgiving to deliver grants to charitable organisations tackling fuel poverty in their communities. With the increase in fuel costs and the cost of living, many families will find paying their bills a struggle at this time of year. And in response to the continued need for support and application levels for previous funds, we are proud to be distributing £5m this Winter.

Registered charities, non-profit companies limited by guarantee, or statutory bodies can apply for up to £10,000; constituted charitable organisations with no charity number can apply for up to £2000.

The Fuel Poverty fund aims to support economically disadvantaged areas and to target grassroots organisations that serve historically underrepresented and marginalised groups. Applications which achieve a long-term impact by helping beneficiaries save money on their household energy bills on an ongoing, sustainable basis are especially encouraged.

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

• Helping individuals to access energy tariff advice or support accessing schemes, including, but not limited to, winter fuel discounts and Social Fund schemes
• Providing energy efficiency or heating solutions to people living in fuel poverty
• Operating a ‘Warm Bank’ in a community building
• Improving energy efficiency in a community building used as a warm space
• Providing warm packs to vulnerable households e.g. radiator bleed keys, heavy curtains, blankets, radiator foil etc.
• Innovative approach to combating fuel poverty

National Grid provides electricity to eight million customers across the Midlands, South West England, and South Wales. Funding is available for registered charities, charitable companies, unregistered community organisations, and statutory bodies based in these locations who are supporting households experiencing fuel poverty. You can check if your organisation is eligible here.

Applications closed on midnight Friday 10th November 2023. Organisations that complete applications will be informed of the outcome of their application by the end of November 2023. Projects must be delivered and funding spent by 31st March 2024.

If you are an existing Localgiving member then simply log into your account to apply. A link to the application form can be found under the ‘My Grants’ section of your account displayed on the left hand side of your dashboard. If you are not a Localgiving member then apply via the button below. If you are successful with your application and are not yet a Localgiving member, you will also receive a complimentary Localgiving annual membership.

Further information about the process can be found in our Funding Guide, which includes important eligibility information and FAQs.

 📖 Download the Funding Guide        

Please note - organisations that were awarded funds as part of 2023’s Green Spaces or Active Communities funds are not eligible to receive funding in this round. Organisations who received funding from National Grid before 2023 can apply for this grant but must return monitoring for their completed project in order to become eligible for further funding. Organisations that have not completed Localgiving’s registration and validation processes must submit all documentation required for the due diligence checks to be completed before the closing date of 10th November. 

If you have any further questions about the Community Matters Fund please contact our Help Desk via help@localgiving.org

The Active Communities fund is the latest phase of the Community Matters Fund run by National Grid. The fund, which is paid for entirely by shareholders, has awarded £4.8 million to grassroots organisations since 2021. You can find out more about the Community Matters Fund here.