Help is available in the form of loans and grants to small registered charities who provide homes that meet our eligibility criteria.

We currently offer two separate funding programmes:

• ‍Best practice grants for early in the development of a project to ensure the project reaches the highest possible standards
• ‍The Main Grants and Loans Programme to fund projects which create homes

‍

Making an application

We have separate application forms for each of our funding programmes. The Best Practice Grant has a one stage application process.

For our main programme we ask that organisations submit a simple expression of interest form. If successful at this stage, organisations will then be asked to provide a second stage application. Given the scale of the projects we fund, we would ask that you make an expression of interest form early on in the process of developing your project. We can then discuss when you may be at a stage to submit a second stage application.

Applications are considered at our Council of Management Meetings, which take place five times a year.

Please read our guidance document before making an application. You can also find deadlines for applications in 2024.

‍

Best practice grants

We would encourage all organisations at an early stage in developing a project to consider these grants, which are up to £6000. There are two areas which can be funded:

• The Environmental Assessment Grant which will fund professional fees associated with helping you to identify and use environmentally-friendly options for your housing project.
• The Feasibility Study Grant will help you with the professional fees associated with testing the feasibility of specific proposals for you to improve, expand or create new genuinely affordable rented housing.

For both these grants we expect you to detail the specific project you are developing and the impact the grant will have on its development.

We expect you to find a suitable professional to undertake the work. If funding is awarded, we expect to receive a copy of the report on its completion. Successful applicants to this scheme are eligible to apply to the Main Grants and Loan Programme to take forward their project.

Apply for a best practice grant

‍

The Main Grants and Loans programme

We encourage organisations to make applications to our main programme when a project is well progressed in terms of planning, with feasibility studies undertaken, a robust budget established and relevant planning permissions secured. We make awards of up to £50,000 and often award a mixture of grants and loans. Maximum grants made are £25,000.

For loans of over £20,000, we will require security against our loan. You will need to have your own legal advice on the loan agreement.

Submit expression of interest