Deadline: 20-Apr-2026
The Montagu Neville Durnford and Saint Leo Cawthan Fund 2026 provides £1,000 to £5,000 in funding for nonprofit organisations delivering services to Portsmouth residents aged 60 and over who are facing hardship. The programme prioritizes projects supporting independence, wellbeing, and reduced social isolation, particularly for individuals with naval service connections.
Managed by HIWCF, the fund supports community-based interventions such as befriending, transport assistance, benefits advice, and health and wellbeing services. Projects must directly benefit older Portsmouth residents and run for up to 12 months.
Overview of the Fund
The Montagu Neville Durnford and Saint Leo Cawthan Fund 2026 is a targeted community grant programme supporting older people in Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
It focuses on improving quality of life for residents aged 60 and above who are experiencing hardship, with additional emphasis on individuals connected to naval service, including veterans, widows, and widowers.
The fund is administered by HIWCF and aims to reduce inequality, strengthen community support systems, and promote healthy ageing.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The fund supports projects that aim to:
- Improve independence for older people living at home
- Enhance physical and mental health and wellbeing
- Reduce social isolation and loneliness
- Address poverty and financial hardship
- Support skill development and lifelong learning
- Strengthen community inclusion and support networks
- Prioritize naval service communities and their families
Funding Details
- Grant size: £1,000 to £5,000
- Duration: Up to 12 months
- Geographic focus: Portsmouth
- Managed by: HIWCF (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation)
Funding is intended for direct project delivery and may include staff and operational costs linked to service provision.
Priority Groups
The fund prioritizes:
- Portsmouth residents aged 60 and over
- Individuals experiencing hardship or vulnerability
- People with connections to naval service
- Widows and widowers of naval personnel
- Older adults at risk of isolation or poverty
Eligible Activities
The programme supports both one-to-one and group-based interventions.
Direct Support Services
- Counselling and emotional support
- Befriending services to reduce loneliness
- Benefits advice and financial guidance
- Health and wellbeing support services
Practical Assistance
- Transport support for appointments or activities
- Food assistance or meal support
- Access to essential services
Social and Community Engagement
- Group activities and social clubs
- Community engagement programmes
- Activities that reduce isolation
Skills Development
Eligible Costs
Funding may be used for:
- Staff costs directly related to project delivery
- Volunteer coordination and support
- Activity and programme expenses
- Proportionate core organisational costs linked to the project
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
Eligible applicants must:
- Be nonprofit community organisations
- Be based in Portsmouth
- Operate within Portsmouth
- Deliver direct services to local residents
Additional requirements:
- Must focus on residents aged 60+
- Must demonstrate clear alignment with programme objectives
- Must show ability to deliver within a 12-month timeframe
Ineligible Applicants
The fund does NOT support:
- National charities without local Portsmouth focus
- Organisations with annual income over £1 million
- For-profit or commercial organisations
Ineligible Costs and Activities
The following are not funded:
- Capital expenses (e.g. buildings, refurbishments, equipment purchases)
- One-off standalone events without ongoing impact
- Statutory services or legal obligations
- Profit-generating activities
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Identify Community Need
Organisations identify unmet needs among Portsmouth residents aged 60+ facing hardship.
Step 2: Design the Project
Applicants develop a project that:
- Targets older people in need
- Addresses at least one key focus area
- Includes clear service delivery methods
Step 3: Submit Application
Applications must clearly outline:
- Project objectives
- Target beneficiaries
- Delivery plan
- Budget breakdown
- Expected outcomes
Step 4: Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance to older people’s needs
- Strength of community impact
- Alignment with fund priorities
- Feasibility and delivery capacity
- Focus on naval-connected individuals where applicable
Step 5: Funding Decision
Successful applicants receive £1,000–£5,000 for up to 12 months.
Key Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed on:
- Impact on older people’s wellbeing and independence
- Ability to reduce isolation and poverty
- Strength of community connection in Portsmouth
- Focus on vulnerable or naval-related populations
- Sustainability and practical delivery approach
- Clear and measurable outcomes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without Portsmouth-based operations
- Failing to target residents aged 60+
- Submitting capital or infrastructure-based requests
- Proposing one-off events without ongoing benefit
- Lack of clear connection to hardship or vulnerability
- Weak alignment with naval community focus
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define the needs of older Portsmouth residents
- Highlight how the project reduces isolation or poverty
- Include measurable wellbeing outcomes
- Show strong local delivery capacity
- Emphasize naval service connections where relevant
- Provide a realistic 12-month delivery plan
Why the Fund Matters
The Montagu Neville Durnford and Saint Leo Cawthan Fund 2026 plays an important role in supporting ageing populations in Portsmouth by:
- Reducing loneliness and social isolation
- Supporting independent living for older adults
- Improving access to essential services
- Addressing poverty among vulnerable seniors
- Strengthening community-based care systems
- Supporting veterans and naval families
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the funding amount available?
The fund provides £1,000 to £5,000 per project.
2. Who is eligible to benefit from the projects?
Portsmouth residents aged 60 and over, especially those facing hardship.
3. Who can apply for the grant?
Nonprofit organisations based in and working within Portsmouth.
4. Are national charities eligible?
No, national charities and organisations with income over £1 million are not eligible.
5. What types of projects are supported?
Projects supporting wellbeing, independence, social inclusion, skills development, and hardship relief.
6. Can funding be used for equipment or buildings?
No, capital expenses are not supported.
7. How long can projects run?
Projects can run for up to 12 months.
Conclusion
The Montagu Neville Durnford and Saint Leo Cawthan Fund 2026 supports Portsmouth-based nonprofit organisations delivering essential services to older adults facing hardship. By funding projects that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and support independent living, the programme strengthens community care for residents aged 60+ with a particular focus on naval-connected individuals.
For more information, visit HIWCF.