This Fund aims to address disadvantages with small grants, notably by supporting causes which are less likely to raise funds from public subscriptions or statutory sources. Their main areas of focus are asylum seekers and refugees and penal affairs.

The fund offers small grants of £5,000 to £7,000, with a preference for smaller established organisations with an annual income of no more than £200,000.

They wish to help support asylum seekers and refugees by integrating them into the community, and aid prisoners, especially women, with coping, maintaining family bonds, and successful resettlement post-release.  They also welcome applications for post-release projects to reduce reoffending.

Grants can be unrestricted project or core funding.

Application must be made online, following an eligibility check.  Access to the form is only given if you are eligible.  

A total fund of £400,000 is available for this programme and priority may be given to:

• Organisations which either have a significant number of people on their boards and/or staff team who have lived experience of the issues they are addressing, or have robust systems in place for people with lived experience to be able to shape the services provided.
• Organisations which have a clear track record and/or expertise in delivering their services. In some cases a recognised qualification or quality mark may be required (eg. for formal advice services; or delivery of ESOL).
• Organisations holding less than 50% of annual income in free unrestricted reserves.
• Organisations based outside Greater London, as they typically have less access to potential funding.

The next closing date for applications is 3pm on Thursday 21 August 2025.

Decisions should be advised by late end-November 2025. 

To find out more, visit the Hilden Charitable Fund website.