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.
​Most applications will be for an amount under £500. However, in particular circumstances the Trustees will consider requests for more than this amount.
To be able to apply you must:
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live within our area of benefit (see our map to check if you qualify)
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have lived in the area of benefit for at least 6 months (this does not necessarily have to have been at the same address)
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be living in permanent accommodation
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have been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK
You will not be able to apply if you:
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are planning to move out of our area of benefit
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have been awarded a grant within the last two years
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have received 3 grants in the past
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:
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pay for general living costs
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pay off debts
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buy floor coverings of any type (unless there are very exceptional circumstances)
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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
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Request an application form by emailing ec@earleycharity.org.uk or by completing our Pre - application questionnaire form
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Complete the application form answering all sections as fully as possible
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Your application will need a sponsor. This must be a person who, in a professional capacity, provides you with support, has knowledge of your situation and is willing to be involved throughout the grant process.
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Post your completed application form with all supporting documents to the Charity’s office
When will my application be considered?
Our Grants Panel meets eight times a year to consider applications from individuals for under £500.
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The next application deadline is:
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Applications must be received by no later than 12 noon on the closing date. Any applications received after the deadline will be automatically rolled forward to the next round.
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The full list of application deadlines and meeting dates in 2026 are as follows.
9th January 2026
Application deadlines for £500 and under
Application Deadline
9th January 2026
27th February 2026
17th April 2026
29th May 2026
17th July 2026
4th September 2026
16th October 2026
13th November 2026
Meeting Date (Decision taken)
​27th January 2026
17th March 2026
5th May 2026
16th June 2026
4th August 2026
22nd September 2026
3rd November 2026
​​1st December 2026
Applications for over £500
Trustees will occasionally consider applications for over £500 for specialist medical or therapeutic equipment and for essential building repairs or installations for owner occupiers where disability requires alteration/works.
For these the decision process is two stage and the closing dates for submission of applications in 2026 are as follows.
Application Deadline
9th January 2026
17th April 2026
17th July 2026
16th October 2026
Meeting Date (Decision taken)
11th February 2026
20th May 2026
19th August 2026
​25th November 2026
For Further Information
You can email an enquiry to ec@earleycharity.org.uk or complete the enquiry form on the Contact Us page. If you would like to talk to someone, please call us on 0118 304 9369.