Deadline: 02-Apr-2026
The LF Foundation is offering grants of up to £5,000 to support charitable projects that help families facing financial hardship and enhance children’s educational development in St Helens and nearby areas like Knowsley. The programme funds initiatives addressing poverty, education, training, crisis assistance, and essential services, prioritizing locally based organisations that create meaningful support systems for vulnerable children and families.
About the LF Foundation Grant Programme
The LF Foundation grant programme aims to:
- Improve access to education and training for children and young people
- Prevent or alleviate poverty where financial hardship limits opportunity and wellbeing
- Strengthen local families’ ability to access essential services and support networks
The programme focuses primarily on St Helens, while also considering applications from surrounding areas, such as Knowsley, ensuring funding is community-centered.
Funding Details
- Maximum Grant Amount: £5,000
- Eligible Areas: St Helens and nearby communities, including Knowsley
- Purpose: Charitable projects addressing financial hardship, education, and family support
- Focus Areas Include:
- Education and skills development for children and young people
- Money management support and financial literacy sessions
- Guidance and support for individuals at risk of homelessness
- Food assistance through food banks and pantries
- Crisis assistance and family support programs
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a charitable organisation based in St Helens or nearby areas
- Demonstrate local governance and financial control
- Operate with at least three unrelated trustees or management members
- Provide projects that directly benefit the local community
Ineligible Applicants and Activities
The fund does not support:
- Statutory organisations fulfilling mandated responsibilities
- National organisations without local governance
- Private businesses or commercial ventures
- Vehicle-related expenses or activities already completed
- Politically affiliated or exclusively religious projects
- Activities intended for personal profit
Program Requirements
Applicants are expected to:
- Address real community needs and demonstrate impact for families and children
- Provide clear plans for project delivery, sustainability, and outcomes
- Ensure inclusivity and accessibility for financially disadvantaged participants
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Verify your organisation is charitable, locally based, and compliant with governance requirements.
- Develop Project Proposal: Outline objectives, target beneficiaries, planned activities, timeline, and budget.
- Submit Application: Follow the LF Foundation’s official application guidelines.
- Project Implementation: Upon approval, deliver activities that address financial hardship and educational needs.
- Reporting: Demonstrate impact through feedback, progress reports, and outcome tracking.
Benefits of Participation
- Access to targeted funding up to £5,000
- Support for impactful projects addressing poverty and educational barriers
- Opportunity to strengthen family and community resilience
- Facilitation of long-term benefits for children, young people, and vulnerable families
FAQs
1. Who can apply for funding?
Charitable organisations based in St Helens or nearby areas, including Knowsley, with strong local governance.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
£5,000 per project.
3. Which types of projects are supported?
Projects addressing poverty, education, training, family support, crisis assistance, financial literacy, and food insecurity.
4. Which organisations are ineligible?
Statutory organisations, private businesses, national organisations without local governance, projects already completed, and initiatives for personal profit or political/religious purposes.
5. Can new or small organisations apply?
Yes, provided they meet governance requirements and have at least three unrelated trustees or management members.
6. Are project activities limited to children?
No, projects should primarily support children and young people but may include broader family-focused initiatives addressing financial hardship.
7. How is impact measured?
Through project reports, feedback, and demonstration of tangible benefits for families and children in the target area.
Conclusion
The LF Foundation grant programme strengthens community resilience in St Helens by funding charitable initiatives that improve children’s education, support families facing financial hardship, and provide access to essential services. By targeting local needs, the programme empowers organisations to create sustainable, impactful projects that enhance opportunity and wellbeing for children and vulnerable families.
For more information, visit Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside.