THIS winter, National Grid Electricity Distribution has again teamed up with Localgiving to deliver grants to charitable organisations tackling fuel poverty in their communities. With the twin challenges of the price of energy and the cost of living still present for many across the country, support is as important as ever.
The Fuel Poverty Fund, part of the Community Matters Fund, is offering £500k to support grassroots organisations that serve economically disadvantaged areas and target historically underrepresented and marginalised groups. We understand the need is often urgent, so will deliver funds quicker than ever before this year and this winter’s fund forms part of a broad range of initiatives from National Grid to support communities.
Registered charities or non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for up to £5,000; constituted charitable organisations with no charity number can apply for up to £2,000. Grants are available to groups in the West Midlands, East Midlands, South West and South Wales, National Grid Electricity Distribution’s
Successful projects will need to meet one or more of the following themes:
- Distributing warm packs or energy efficiency measures (i.e. warm blankets, radiator keys, insulated curtains, draught excluders) for home usage
- Visiting isolated households to help people make their homes warmer and more energy-efficient
- Running a warm space in a community building
- Improving the energy efficiency of a community building used as a warm space
- Providing tariff switching, energy saving, winter fuel discount, or other fuel poverty advice
Ellie Patey, National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Community Engagement Manager, said of the launch:
“We’re keen to support projects that will have a long-term impact beyond the initial funding, for example, a venture helping people save money on energy bills on an ongoing and sustainable basis. Applications are particularly welcome from grassroots organisations serving economically disadvantaged areas and targeting historically underrepresented and marginalised groups.”
Andrei Yusfin, CEO of Localgiving who is managing the delivery of the grant added:
“We are delighted to be partnering again with National Grid for the latest Community Matters Fund. We know firsthand the amazing impact this grant has had in recent years and are honoured to be able to support groups through another challenging Winter.”
The application window opened on Thursday 17th October and will close at 5pm on Friday 1st November. Organisations that complete applications will be informed of the outcome by the end of November 2024, with funds for successful applications sent in early December. Projects must be delivered, and funding spent by 31st March 2025.
