Apply for Overseas Livelihoods Grant Programme (United Kingdom)

The Charles Hayward Foundation provides grants of up to £15,000 to UK-registered charities supporting disadvantaged communities in Commonwealth countries of Africa. The fund focuses on clean water and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods linked to environmental or wildlife conservation, and self-sufficiency through training in farming or income-generating skills. Grants are one-year awards, requiring strong community engagement, robust governance, and a clear exit strategy.

The Charles Hayward Foundation offers funding to UK-registered charities implementing projects that improve the wellbeing and self-sufficiency of disadvantaged communities in African Commonwealth countries.

The Foundation prioritises projects that are sustainable, community-driven, and delivered at the grass-roots level by established partners fully engaged with local populations.

Programme Objectives

The Foundation seeks to:

• Improve livelihoods of disadvantaged communities in Africa

• Promote self-sufficiency and sustainable development

• Support community-led projects with strong local engagement

• Ensure sustainability beyond the involvement of delivery partners through training and education

• Uphold robust governance and monitoring standards throughout project delivery

Funding Focus Areas

Eligible projects must fall within one of the following sub-categories:

1. Clean Water and Sanitation – Projects that provide access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education.

2. Sustainable Livelihoods and Environmental/ Wildlife Conservation – Initiatives that develop environmentally sustainable livelihoods, such as eco-tourism, wildlife conservation-linked enterprises, or sustainable natural resource use.

3. Self-Sufficiency Training – Skills development in farming, small-scale business, or other income-generating activities that support community self-reliance.

Exclusions

The Foundation does not fund:

• Disaster appeals

• Educational institutions or activities abroad

• Gap years, electives, or project visits overseas

• Overseas disability awareness initiatives

Grant Details

• Grant duration: One year

• Maximum grant amount: £15,000

• Funding is awarded based on project quality, impact, sustainability, and alignment with programme objectives

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• UK-registered charities

• Annual income between £150,000 and £4,000,000

• Organisations capable of demonstrating:

  • Grass-roots delivery with local engagement

  • Strong governance and monitoring procedures

  • Experience in implementing sustainable projects

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure your organisation is UK-registered with an appropriate income range

• Verify experience and capacity to deliver projects in African Commonwealth countries

Step 2: Design the Project

• Select a focus area aligned with the Foundation’s priorities

• Incorporate community involvement and training for long-term sustainability

• Establish clear objectives, outcomes, and a measurable impact plan

Step 3: Prepare Application

Include:

• Detailed project description and rationale

• Implementation plan with timelines

• Budget breakdown and resource requirements

• Governance, monitoring, and evaluation procedures

• Exit strategy demonstrating sustainability beyond delivery partner involvement

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with funding priorities

• Community engagement and local delivery

• Evidence of sustainability and measurable outcomes

• Strength of governance, monitoring, and exit planning

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting projects outside the Foundation’s focus areas

2. Applying without clear evidence of community involvement

3. Failing to demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period

4. Omitting governance and monitoring procedures

5. Applying for excluded activities, such as educational trips or disaster appeals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

UK-registered charities with annual income between £150,000 and £4,000,000 delivering projects in African Commonwealth countries.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to £15,000 for a one-year project.

3. What types of projects are supported?

Projects in clean water and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods linked to environmental or wildlife conservation, and self-sufficiency training such as farming or income-generating skills.

4. Are disaster relief or educational trips funded?

No. Disaster appeals, educational electives, gap years, and disability awareness trips abroad are not eligible.

5. Is community involvement required?

Yes. Projects must demonstrate strong engagement with the local community and work through established delivery partners.

6. What sustainability measures are expected?

Applicants must provide training, education, or other strategies to ensure the project continues after the delivery partner departs.

7. Can organisations with higher or lower income apply?

No. Only charities with an annual income between £150,000 and £4,000,000 are eligible.

Final Takeaway

The Charles Hayward Foundation Grants 2026 provide vital support for UK charities delivering sustainable, community-led projects in African Commonwealth countries.

By focusing on clean water, sustainable livelihoods, and self-sufficiency training, the Foundation ensures that funded initiatives improve livelihoods, build skills, and create lasting impact in disadvantaged communities.