Help the Homeless is a UK grant-giving trust that supports small charities working with people experiencing homelessness. Established in 1975, it aims to help people move away from life on the streets and towards healthier, more independent lives. It particularly favours small, grassroots charities supporting vulnerable people.
The trust offers grants of up to £5,000 towards capital costs. Funding can help charities improve facilities, accommodation or equipment used to support people experiencing homelessness.
It has limited funds available, so applicants should check the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. The trust does not fund general running costs, salaries or multi-year projects.
Requirements:
Organisation type: Must be a registered charity with the Charity Commission in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or a registered Scottish charity.
Annual income: The charity must have an annual turnover of less than £500,000.
Geographical coverage: Charities across the UK can apply.
Main purpose: The charity must work wholly or mainly with people experiencing homelessness. General community projects and services without a specific homelessness focus are not eligible.
Type of funding: Applications must be for capital projects, not ongoing running costs.
Repeat applications: At least two years must have passed since the charity received a funding decision or grant from the trust before it can apply again.
Grant duration: Multi-year requests are not accepted.
Funding Priorities:
The trust prioritises work that helps people experiencing homelessness to:
- Move away from homelessness and street life.
- Access safe, suitable accommodation.
- Build greater independence and improve their quality of life.
- Receive practical support through small, grassroots charities.
Projects should demonstrate a clear link to supporting people experiencing homelessness rather than wider community needs.
What They Will Fund:
Funding is for capital costs. Examples of previously supported projects include:
- Refurbishment of kitchens in supported accommodation.
- Improvements to move-on accommodation.
- Replacement or upgraded furniture for facilities used by people experiencing homelessness.
- Other eligible physical improvements to buildings or facilities used to deliver homelessness support.
The trust’s recent grants provide useful examples of the type of capital work it has supported. Applicants should explain how the proposed purchase or improvement will benefit the people their charity supports.
What They Won’t Fund:
The trust explicitly excludes:
- General community projects not focused on homelessness.
- Foodbanks.
- Projects where homelessness is not the main focus of the charity’s work.
- Core or day-to-day running costs.
- Staff salaries.
- Computers and IT equipment.
- Multi-year funding requests.
- Applications from organisations that do not meet the charity registration or income requirements.
How To Apply:
You can apply using the button below through their online application form.
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