Homeless charities can apply for capital grants of up to £5,000 for projects that aim to help homeless people return to the community and enabling them to resume a normal life.  Typically, such organisations may operate small or medium-sized residential or training facilities to assist homeless people. To be eligible to apply, the charity must have an annual turnover of under £1million and with ‘unrestricted reserves’ of under six months.  Previously funded projects include the Booth Centre, an advice and activity centre for homeless people in Manchester, which received a grant of £1,500 to transform the centre with new lighting, a new water heater and new decoration; and a grant of £3,000 to the Amber Foundation to enable the Foundation to buy new bedroom furniture for their residential centre in Devon, where every year over 60 unemployed, homeless young people are able to rebuild their lives and gain the motivation, confidence, self-esteem and skills for independent living.  The closing date for applications is the 15th March 2021. Click here

Small charities and community groups in England will be able to apply for grants of up to £2,500 for projects and activities that reduce loneliness by helping people feel more connected. The funding is being made available through the new £4 million Local Connections Fund which is made up of £2 million from the Government and £2 million from The National Lottery Community Fund. The Local Connections Fund will be split into two rounds of funding – each with its own application window, one in January 2021 and one in the summer 2021. The funding will be available to charities and community groups in England with an annual income of £50,000 or less. This first round will be open for applications on 5 January 2021 and close on 26 January 2021. Click here