Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The ACEs Main Charity Grants Programme provides unrestricted funding of £20,000–£25,000 per year for up to four years to UK charities delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions for children, young people, and adults affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The programme prioritises services that prevent or reduce harm, support recovery, and amplify the voices of those with lived experience.
About the ACEs Main Charity Grants Programme
The ACEs Main Charity Grants Programme supports initiatives that prevent and reduce harm caused by adverse childhood experiences. It funds charities delivering services through:
- Trauma-informed approaches
- Evidence-based interventions
- Holistic support services addressing physical, emotional, and social needs
The programme also encourages applications from organisations working with under-represented groups and in specific regions, including:
- Northern Ireland
- North West England
- East Midlands
Funding Details
- Grant amount: £20,000 to £25,000 per year
- Grant duration: Up to 4 years
- Funding type: Unrestricted (can be used flexibly to support core operations and service delivery)
Funding supports a wide range of services, including but not limited to:
- Counselling and mentoring
- Recreational and therapeutic activities
- Accommodation and housing support
- Community support initiatives
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a UK-registered charity or charitable incorporated organisation
- Have an annual income between £200,000 and £2,000,000
- Provide at least one year of published accounts, demonstrating financial stability
- Exclude Community Interest Companies (CICs)
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Use of trauma-informed practices
- Implementation of evidence-based interventions
- Focus on prevention or harm reduction for individuals affected by ACEs
- Measurable impact, evaluated through external research or internal monitoring
Key Requirements
Organisations must ensure:
- The majority of service users have experienced ACEs or are directly supporting those affected
- Service user involvement in the design and delivery of services
- Clear documentation of effective and responsive interventions
Core Focus Areas
- Preventive services: Early interventions to reduce ACE-related harm
- Support services: Direct services for children, young people, adults, parents, and caregivers
- Community engagement: Inclusive and locally responsive approaches
- Equity and inclusion: Priority for under-represented groups and underserved regions
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility: Ensure organisation meets income, registration, and service user criteria
- Develop application: Outline interventions, trauma-informed practices, and evidence of impact
- Demonstrate user engagement: Include strategies for involving service users in design and delivery
- Submit application: Follow official submission guidelines provided by the programme
- Evaluation: Applications assessed based on impact potential, sustainability, inclusivity, and evidence-based approaches
Expected Benefits
- Long-term unrestricted funding to strengthen core operations and service delivery
- Support for evidence-based, trauma-informed services
- Expansion of services addressing the complex effects of ACEs
- Opportunity to involve service users in shaping meaningful interventions
- Enhanced community-level support systems for children, youth, and adults
FAQs
1. What is the funding range?
£20,000–£25,000 per year for up to four years.
2. Who can apply?
UK-registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations with an annual income of £200,000–£2,000,000. CICs are not eligible.
3. What types of services are funded?
Services addressing prevention and harm reduction of ACEs, including counselling, mentoring, recreational programs, housing support, and community interventions.
4. Is unrestricted funding allowed?
Yes, grants are unrestricted, giving organisations flexibility to support core operations and service delivery.
5. Are evidence-based approaches required?
Yes, interventions must be trauma-informed, evidence-based, and demonstrate measurable impact.
6. Do service users need to be involved?
Yes, the programme requires meaningful inclusion of service users’ voices in project design and delivery.
7. Are certain regions prioritised?
Yes, applications from Northern Ireland, North West England, and the East Midlands are encouraged, along with organisations serving under-represented groups.
Conclusion
The ACEs Main Charity Grants Programme empowers UK charities to address and prevent harm caused by adverse childhood experiences through long-term, trauma-informed, and evidence-based interventions. By prioritising service user involvement, measurable outcomes, and inclusive approaches, the programme strengthens support systems for children, young people, and adults affected by ACEs while building sustainable community impact.
For more information, visit The Leathersellers.