Applying for a grant

All applications must be made on the appropriate application form. Forms can be obtained by:

• emailing your contact details and a brief outline of your request to ec@earleycharity.org.uk
• completing the enquiry form on this website

Information for individuals and organisations wishing to make an application can be found below. Click here to jump to details on organisation grants.

COVID-19 Support Fund

The COVID-19 Support Fund remains open.  This new small grant programme is designed to help organisations serving our area of benefit transition to new ways of working and support post-lockdown relaunch or other COVID-19 linked expenditure.  A small amount of the £40,000 fund is still available for grants of up to a maximum £2,000.

Who can apply?

The COVID-19 Support Fund is aimed at local charities and community groups who work and/or predominately serve the Charity’s area of benefit. 

What can be applied for?

The aim of the fund is to help organisations respond to the immediate needs of relaunching or adapting their service and activities following lockdown.

Grants from this fund can be used to offset costs including: -

• those associated with implementing preventative measures such as physical barriers and screens, personal protective equipment (PPE) and bulk purchases of cleaning and disinfection products;
• buying equipment;
• consultancies to assist with relaunch activities;
• training of trustees, volunteers or staff;
• marketing materials to promote relaunch or changes to service or activity.

How to apply

Applications must be made using the COVID-19 Support Fund Grant Application Form, which can be obtained by emailing ec@earleycharity.org.uk.

This programme will be dealt with on a rolling basis until all the funds have been awarded. Applications can be made at any time and will be considered at regular meetings.  The deadline for applications to be considered at the next schedule meeting is 11 January 2021.  

Making an Individual grant application

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from people who are experiencing difficult circumstances. This may be because of low income or poor health.

To be able to apply you must:

• live within our area of benefit (see our map to check if you qualify)
• have lived in the area of benefit for at least 6 months (this does not necessarily have to have been at the same address)
• be living in permanent accommodation
• have been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK

You will not be able to apply if you:

• are planning to move out of our area of benefit
• have been awarded a grant within the last two years
• have received 3 grants in the past

If you live outside our area of benefit you may like to contact one of our neighbouring charities.

What can be applied for?

You can make an application for the purchase of a specific item or service. We do not make grants to:

• pay for general living costs
• pay off debts
• buy floor coverings of any type (unless there are very exceptional circumstances)
• buy non-essential items

Most applications will be for an amount under £500. However, in particular circumstances the Trustees will consider requests for more than this amount.

How to apply

• Request an application form by emailing ec@earleycharity.org.uk or by completing the enquiry form on the Contact Us page of this website
• Complete the application form answering all sections as fully as possible
• Post your completed application form with all supporting documents to the Charity’s office

When will my application be considered?

The meetings dates and corresponding closing dates for submission of individual applications for 2021 are as follows.  Applications must be received by no later than 12 noon on the closing date.