Grants

Reading Family Information Service

The Family Information Service have put together information on organisations that can offer grants to support families.

 

Next review date November 2024

Local Organisations

Christian Community Action (CCA) - A Reading charity committed to helping local people who are in need offering; a listening ear at support centres, essential furniture items from their warehouse, affordable goods through charity shops, work opportunities for those finding their way back into the workplace. https://www.ccam.org.uk/

Earley Charity - The Charity welcomes applications from people who are experiencing difficult circumstances because of low income or poor health. To apply, applicants must; live within the Charity's area of benefit (see map on their website 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. https://www.earleycharity.org.uk/

John Sykes Foundation was established on April 10th 2014 with the aim of helping to transform the lives of people in and around Reading,

The foundation aims to support people from all walks of life in areas including education, health, disability, sport, arts and culture, science and any other charitable purpose. There are four levels of grants that can be applied for ranging from smaller grants under £500 to larger grants up to £10,000. https://www.johnsykesfoundation.org/ 

Reading Dispensary Trust - The Reading Dispensary Trust was formed in 1802 when a need was identified to provide medical services to those who were sick and in need. It now makes grants for equipment and services not available through statutory sources to those suffering from physical,  mental illness or disability. The Trust prides itself on providing support to which you can be assured of receiving serious consideration to any applications made within the guidelines set down by the Trust. https://readingdispensarytrust.org.uk/

Tilehurst People's Charity (also known as Tilehurst Poor's Land Charity) - A Charity providing financial grants to those in need, hardship or distress who live in Tilehurst, Holybrook, Theale or West Reading. 

Free gift boxes for Muslim children in care - A scheme which provided free gift boxes for Muslim children in care during Ramadan has been extended to all year-round. The boxes, from Sparks Fostering, contain a padded prayer mat, a Quran speaker/light, a prayer counter and a gift card with a message from the donor. Professionals are able to request a gift box for an individual child via the website: www.SparksFostering.org/Muslim. The page is also being developed to provide free resources addressing the needs of Muslims involved in social care and to list mosques and Muslim institutions that promote adoption and fostering.

 

National Organisations

Buttle UK - is a charity dedicated to helping children and young people who are in crisis reach their potential by providing small but targeted and effective interventions via our Chances for Children Grants. These grants can range from a single household item such as a bed, to larger, more comprehensive grants of up to £2,000 to help remove the material barriers to education, training or wellbeing that a child or young person may be facing.

Caudwell Children - Caudwell Children’s Family Support Service provides emotional and emergency practical support to disabled young people and their families from birth, diagnosis or at times of crisis. The service expanded in 2010, having gained support from Aiming High for Disabled Children. https://www.caudwellchildren.com/

Crisis Changing Lives - A grants programme helping homeless people achieve their educational and career goals. Grant applications can be made by individuals working with a Job Coach or Progression Coordinator at one of Crisis' Skylight centres to access training, buy tools for work or set up a business (providing there is a robust business plan). Grants are awarded in three categories; Education, Self employment and Into employment. No other facility provides homeless individuals over the age of 18 with grants for education and training. https://www.crisis.org.uk/

Disability Grants - Helping you save time in finding the right grant... https://www.disability-grants.org/

The Edward Gostling Foundation  - ( formerly ACT) was formed in 1994 and is registered with the Charity Commission (charity number 1068617). the charity provides grants to other charities, principally in the UK, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for people in need, (specifically the mentally, physically disability and long term illness). https://www.edwardgostlingfoundation.org.uk/

Family Action Grants - Grants are provided for clothing and general household needs such as beds and cookers as well as more varied needs such as communication aids and medical adaptations. In general, grants are between £100 - £300 although there are no set limits. If a larger grant is required, funding from other sources is advised or revising the amount you are seeking before submitting an application. https://www.family-action.org.uk/

Family Fund - The UK’s largest provider of grants to low-income families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people, helping ease the additional pressures families face. The Trust can help with essential items such as washing machines, fridges and clothing but can also consider grants for sensory toys, computers and much needed family breaks together. https://www.familyfund.org.uk/

Newlife - The Charity for Disabled Children Our Nurses support families, our researchers work to improve children’s health, our dedicated team campaign for a fairer deal and our volunteers and supporters know that 100% of every penny they donate or fundraise will be used for equipment to change a child’s life. https://newlifecharity.co.uk/

The Fashion & Textile Children's Trust  - The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) gives financial support to families who work or recently worked in the UK fashion and textile industry. This is very broad reaching and covers those who work in a supermarket that sell clothing. Grants start at £250 as well as large and ongoing grants and can provide practical help during a tough financial spot. https://www.ftct.org.uk/

The Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust - The Trust provides grants to help people in need who are ill, convalescent or disabled. These are used to provide medical and household aids that make a huge difference to people's ability to manage at home and live as independently as possible. https://home.fnaist.org.uk/

Friends of the Elderly - Supporting Friends provides financial help in the form of one-off grants and regular allowances for people aged 60 or over. The aim of the service is to help relieve the stress and worry often experienced by those living on a low income. https://www.fote.org.uk/

Glasspool Charity Trust - This Trust is one of the few national charities making grants to individuals which have no restrictions on the type of beneficiary. Due to the very heavy demand on our funds, most grants are given for basic needs. Generally we give white goods and other essential household items. The Trust does not normally make more than one grant to any one individual or family. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Trustees in cases of particular hardship. https://www.glasspool.org.uk/

Macmillan Cancer Support Grants  - A Macmillan grant is a one-off payment for adults, young people or children with cancer, to cover a wide range of practical needs. This can include things such as heating bills, extra clothing, or a much needed break. Every week over 600 people receive a grant from Macmillan Cancer Support. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

The Matthew Trust - A small registered charity providing last-stop support & care for people aged 8+ years, living in all communities of our society throughout the UK and who have a mental health problem of any kind.
We also care for victims of aggression (mainly women) and those with mental health problems, both in prisons and special hospitals and when they return to living in the community. The Matthew Trust is a last-stop agency providing direct care. Grants are given only when all other avenues of funding are exhausted. https://www.matthewtrust.org/ 

Student Grants - Grants are available to full-time students to help with living and study costs. You don’t pay grants back. You can apply for a Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant. Find out who can apply and how much you can get. https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

Turn2us - Turn2us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Carer’s Grants

Related Advice

Family Finance Debt Support Services Childcare Costs SEND - Family Finance

Page last reviewed: 30/11/2023

Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

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CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
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