Applications open for MSE Charity Grants Programme (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 13-Jul-2026

The MSE Charity Grants programme provides funding of up to £10,000 for eligible UK non-profit organisations delivering projects that improve financial capability and help people develop better money management skills. The programme supports practical initiatives that create lasting changes in how individuals understand, manage, and make decisions about money.

The grants are designed to fund activities such as financial education, money management training, volunteer development, peer support programmes, and community-based projects that improve financial confidence and resilience.

Overview of the MSE Charity Grants Programme

The MSE Charity provides grants to UK non-profit organisations that work to improve financial capability across communities.

The programme focuses on projects that help people:

• Understand and manage money more effectively.
• Build confidence when making financial decisions.
• Develop practical financial skills.
• Navigate important financial challenges and life events.
• Improve long-term money behaviours.

The funding supports charitable activities that create sustainable improvements rather than short-term financial assistance.

Purpose of the MSE Charity Grants

The main purpose of the programme is to improve financial capability across the United Kingdom by supporting organisations that provide practical learning and support.

Funded projects should help individuals develop:

• Financial knowledge.
• Money management skills.
• Confidence in dealing with financial situations.
• Ability to make informed financial choices.
• Understanding of financial planning and budgeting.

The programme aims to create lasting positive changes in the way people think about, manage, and interact with money.

Funding Amount Available

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of:

• Up to £10,000 per project.

The programme operates through two funding rounds each year, generally held in:

• January.
• July.

There are no fixed priority groups or specific themes. However, every funded project must demonstrate how it contributes to improving financial capability.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The MSE Charity supports projects that provide practical financial capability activities with long-term benefits.

Eligible projects may include:

Money Management Workshops

Projects that teach individuals how to:

• Create and manage budgets.
• Understand income and expenses.
• Reduce financial stress.
• Make informed spending decisions.
• Plan for future financial needs.

Volunteer and Staff Training

Funding may support training programmes that help staff and volunteers:

• Deliver effective financial education.
• Support people experiencing financial challenges.
• Improve their knowledge of financial capability issues.
• Provide better guidance to communities.

Peer Support Programmes

Projects may include peer-led activities that:

• Encourage shared learning.
• Build community confidence.
• Provide practical financial support.
• Create supportive environments for improving money skills.

Community-Specific Financial Education

Funding may support projects designed around the needs of specific communities.

Examples include programmes that:

• Address barriers to financial inclusion.
• Provide accessible money education.
• Support people during major life changes.
• Improve confidence in managing personal finances.

Skills and Confidence Building Activities

Projects should help participants develop:

• Practical financial skills.
• Confidence with money decisions.
• Knowledge of financial systems.
• Ability to handle financial challenges.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The MSE Charity Grants programme is available to eligible UK-based non-profit organisations.

Applicants must generally be one of the following:

• Registered charities.
• Community Interest Companies (CICs).
• Credit unions.
• Not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee.
• Social enterprise companies.
• Other eligible UK non-profit organisations.

Organisations must demonstrate that they operate for community benefit and meet the Charity’s funding requirements.

Organisational Requirements

Applicants are expected to have appropriate systems and policies in place, including:

• Strong governance arrangements.
• Effective financial management processes.
• Safeguarding policies.
• Appropriate insurance coverage.
• Relevant operational policies.
• Ability to manage grant funding responsibly.

The Charity reviews organisational readiness as part of the assessment process.

How the MSE Charity Grants Application Process Works

The programme uses a two-stage application process designed to make the funding process efficient for applicants.

Step 1: Complete the Eligibility Quiz

Before applying, organisations must complete an Eligibility Quiz.

The quiz helps determine whether:

• The organisation meets the Charity’s requirements.
• The proposed project fits the funding purpose.
• The applicant can proceed to the application stage.

Only eligible organisations can continue with the funding process.

Step 2: Submit an Outline Proposal

Eligible applicants submit a short proposal explaining:

• Information about the organisation.
• The proposed project.
• The activities that will be delivered.
• How the project will improve financial capability.

The Grants Advisory Panel reviews these outline proposals.

Step 3: Submit a Full Application

Applicants whose proposals are shortlisted are invited to complete a full application.

The detailed application should include:

• Project objectives.
• Delivery approach.
• Target participants.
• Expected outcomes.
• Project timeline.
• Budget information.
• Evidence of community need.

Step 4: Grant Assessment and Decision

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with the Charity’s mission.
• Quality of the project proposal.
• Potential long-term impact.
• Organisational ability to deliver the project.
• Value created for participants and communities.

Why the MSE Charity Grants Matter

Financial capability plays an important role in helping people achieve greater stability and independence.

The programme supports organisations that help individuals:

• Make better financial decisions.
• Avoid financial difficulties.
• Build confidence with money.
• Develop lifelong financial skills.
• Access support during important life changes.

By funding education and practical support, the programme helps communities develop stronger financial resilience.

Benefits for Funded Organisations

Successful applicants can use funding to:

• Expand financial education programmes.
• Improve community outreach.
• Train staff and volunteers.
• Develop new support methods.
• Reach people who need financial capability support.
• Create measurable community impact.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances of success by:

• Clearly explaining the financial capability issue being addressed.
• Demonstrating how the project creates long-term behavioural change.
• Showing evidence of community need.
• Providing clear project outcomes.
• Explaining how participants will benefit.
• Creating a realistic and detailed budget.
• Demonstrating strong governance and safeguarding arrangements.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing projects unrelated to financial capability.
• Focusing only on short-term financial assistance.
• Providing unclear project outcomes.
• Submitting incomplete organisational information.
• Failing to explain how the project creates lasting impact.
• Applying without meeting governance or policy requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MSE Charity Grants programme?

The MSE Charity Grants programme provides funding to UK non-profit organisations delivering projects that improve financial capability and help people manage money more effectively.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can apply for up to £10,000 per project.

Who can apply for MSE Charity funding?

Eligible applicants include UK charities, community interest companies, credit unions, not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee, and other qualifying non-profit organisations.

What types of projects does the Charity fund?

The programme supports financial education, money management workshops, volunteer training, peer support activities, and community-based financial capability projects.

Are there specific priority groups for funding?

No. The programme does not identify specific priority groups. However, all funded projects must contribute to improving financial capability.

How does the application process work?

Applicants must first complete an Eligibility Quiz. Eligible organisations then submit an outline proposal, and shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full application.

What makes a project suitable for funding?

A suitable project should create lasting improvements in financial knowledge, confidence, and behaviours while providing clear benefits to individuals or communities.

Conclusion

The MSE Charity Grants programme provides valuable funding for UK non-profit organisations working to improve financial capability and strengthen communities. With grants of up to £10,000 available, the programme supports practical projects that help people develop better money management skills, increase financial confidence, and make informed financial decisions.

Organisations applying for funding should focus on projects that demonstrate lasting impact, strong community benefits, and clear alignment with the goal of improving financial capability across the United Kingdom.

For more information, visit The MSE Charity.