This Foundation currently runs a main grants programme for UK registered charities in the areas of Social and Criminal Justice and Overseas, plus a small grants programme in the areas of Social and Criminal Justice and Older People.
The Main Grants programme is for the categories of Social & Criminal Justice for charities with an income of £350,000 to £4,000,000, and Overseas for charities with an income of £150,000 to £4,000,000.
The Social and Criminal Justice funding strand makes awards of up to £25,000. It aims to prevent people entering the criminal justice system and to support those already in the system to move on and rebuild their lives. It funds early intervention programmes with young children and their families, tailored preventative work with young people at risk and holistic support services aimed at reducing re-offending and aiding re-settlement. It also looks to alleviate the consequences of domestic abuse and criminal exploitation of vulnerable persons.
Overseas awards are made for one-off projects of up to £15,000.
The deadlines for submissions of applications to the above funds are:
- 30 January 2026
- 22 May 2026
- 18 September 2026.
The Grants Committee of the Foundation meet three times a year to shortlist applications and decide which ones will progress to Stage 2. The Committee meetings take place in March, July and November.
All applicants are notified by email of the outcome of their application at Stage 1 approximately eight weeks after the submission deadline.
Applicants that progress to Stage 2 will be asked to submit additional financial and project information as necessary.
The Heritage and Conservation category is currently closed to new applications. It has a main focus on protecting, restoring and interpreting past inventions, discoveries, industrial sites and defining moments that have shaped our history and identity, and displaying them in a modern context for public engagement, use and learning. Funding awarded is for up to £50,000 for one-off projects.
The Older People rolling fund offers small grants of up to £7,000 for one-year projects. It focuses on preventative and early intervention programmes being delivered at the community level which allow older people to stay in their own homes and remain independent. They are particularly interested in seeking out programmes which show some creativity in improving the quality of life of older people, and which offer a consistent and sustained benefit, rather than one-off events or short-lived activities.
For full eligibility and application details, visit the Charles Hayward Foundation Grants webpage.
