Call for Applications: Healthy Holidays Funding Programme (UK)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Healthy Holidays Fund provides grants of up to £22,000 to support community organisations delivering holiday activities and nutritious food for children eligible for free school meals. Funded programmes can include sports, arts, cultural activities, cookery sessions, and outdoor experiences. Eligible organisations are UK-based not-for-profits, registered charities, or small unregistered community groups.

Overview of the Fund

The Healthy Holidays Fund aims to ensure children eligible for free school meals have access to engaging and meaningful activities during school holidays. Community-led programmes provide safe environments for recreational, educational, and nutrition-focused experiences, fostering wellbeing, learning, and cultural understanding.

Key Objectives

• Offer enjoyable daily activities including sport, dance, drama, outdoor play, games, arts, and environmental projects.

• Provide new experiences such as day trips to local attractions, countryside, or coastal areas.

• Strengthen cultural cohesion and promote understanding of diverse cultures.

• Support cookery and nutrition education to improve families’ skills and children’s understanding of healthy meals.

Eligible Activities

Funded activities may include:

• Physical and creative activities that promote movement and learning.

• Outdoor engagement and exploration, including day trips within the UK.

• Cultural and community cohesion sessions.

• Cookery workshops and nutrition education integrated into activity sessions.

Funding Details

• Grant Range: Up to £22,000 per year.

• Organisations Eligible for Larger Grants (>£5,000):

  • Incorporated not-for-profits: Charitable Incorporated Organisations, Community Interest Companies limited by guarantee, charitable companies registered with Charity Commission, Companies House, or FCA Mutuals Public Register.

• Organisations Eligible for Smaller Grants (≤£5,000):

  • Incorporated or unincorporated not-for-profits, registered charities, and small unregistered organisations with annual income under £10,000.

Ineligible Activities and Organisations

• Activities or costs already incurred.

• Initiatives that exclude people without justification or promote discriminatory practices.

• Projects promoting political or religious viewpoints.

• Projects primarily benefiting animals.

• Capital appeals for building projects, grants to other organisations or individuals, or applications from individuals.

• Statutory organisations or statutory activities (e.g., schools, hospitals).

• Overseas organisations, expeditions, or travel abroad.

• For-profit organisations.

Eligibility Criteria

• UK-based community organisations, charities, or small unregistered groups.

• Programmes must target children eligible for free school meals.

• Activities should focus on physical, creative, cultural, educational, or nutritional outcomes.

• Funding must not exceed the organisation’s capacity or income thresholds for small organisations.

Application Process

1. Prepare Project Proposal: Detail planned activities, target children, budget, and expected outcomes.

2. Submit Application: Specify grant amount requested and justify funding needs.

3. Assessment: Applications evaluated based on impact, inclusivity, and alignment with Healthy Holidays Fund objectives.

4. Grant Award: Successful applicants receive funding and support for project implementation during school holidays.

Expected Impact

• Children gain access to safe, engaging, and nutritious holiday activities.

• Increased physical activity, creativity, and learning during school breaks.

• Improved family knowledge and confidence in preparing affordable, healthy meals.

• Strengthened cultural understanding and community cohesion.

Tips and Best Practices

• Clearly demonstrate alignment with the fund’s objectives for children’s wellbeing, learning, and nutrition.

• Highlight inclusivity, cultural cohesion, and community participation.

• Provide detailed budgets and activity plans.

• Ensure proposed activities are achievable within the grant amount and timeframe.

FAQ – Healthy Holidays Fund

1. Who can apply? UK-based incorporated not-for-profits, registered charities, or small unregistered organisations.

2. What is the maximum grant? £22,000 per year.

3. Are schools or hospitals eligible? No, statutory organisations are not eligible.

4. Can for-profit or overseas organisations apply? No.

5. What activities are supported? Physical activity, creative and cultural sessions, cookery and nutrition education, and day trips within the UK.

6. Are activities promoting religion or politics eligible? No, these are ineligible.

7. Can unregistered small groups apply? Yes, if annual income is under £10,000 and the grant does not exceed this limit.

Conclusion

The Healthy Holidays Fund supports community-led programmes that provide children eligible for free school meals with enriching holiday experiences. By funding physical, creative, cultural, and nutritional activities, the initiative promotes wellbeing, learning, cultural understanding, and healthy eating while ensuring safe and inclusive environments during school holidays.

For more information, visit Leeds Community Foundation.