Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The Surviving Winter Fund provides grants of up to £3,000 to small voluntary and community organisations in Northamptonshire to support older, vulnerable residents during winter. The fund focuses on reducing fuel poverty, improving wellbeing, and helping older people stay warm, safe, and independent. Projects must meet at least two of the fund’s priority aims and operate within Northamptonshire.
What Is the Surviving Winter Fund?
The Surviving Winter Fund is a community grant program designed to help older residents cope with winter-related hardship.
Now in its 15th year under the Surviving Winter Appeal, the fund addresses:
The fund supports local organisations delivering practical, community-based solutions.
Core Objectives of the Fund
The Surviving Winter Fund prioritises projects that improve the wellbeing of older people during colder months.
Funded initiatives must meet at least two of the following aims:
1. Keeping Homes Warm
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Energy efficiency support
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Heating cost advice
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Fuel poverty prevention
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Guidance on energy consumption and payments
2. Dressing for Warmth
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Access to warm clothing
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Distribution of essential winter items
3. Staying Warm at Night
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Bedding support
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Safe heating solutions
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Advice on maintaining safe indoor temperatures
4. Eating Well
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Nutritional support
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Access to warm meals
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Community food initiatives
5. Keeping Active
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Light physical activity programs
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Social engagement activities
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Community gatherings
6. Advice and Support Services
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Energy bill guidance
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Benefit eligibility checks
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Debt advice
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Practical support navigating rising living costs
Why This Fund Matters
Winter poses significant risks to older adults, especially those experiencing:
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Fixed incomes
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High heating costs
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Social isolation
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Health vulnerabilities
Many older residents experience anxiety during winter due to increasing bills and the risk of fuel poverty.
The Surviving Winter Fund helps:
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Reduce financial stress
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Prevent cold-related health issues
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Strengthen community support systems
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Promote independent living
By supporting grassroots organisations, the fund ensures local, targeted impact.
Grant Amount and Funding Details
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Maximum grant: £3,000 per project
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Geographic focus: Northamptonshire
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Project requirement: Must meet at least two priority aims
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Target group: Older, vulnerable residents
Projects should demonstrate measurable impact and clear community benefit.
Eligible Activities
The fund supports practical, community-based initiatives such as:
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Volunteer-led healthy lifestyle programs for older adults
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Projects that reduce isolation and loneliness
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Social engagement activities
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Services enabling independent living at home
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Advice services related to energy, benefits, and debt
Projects must directly benefit older people in Northamptonshire during winter.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be:
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Small, locally managed voluntary organisations
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Community groups
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Self-help groups
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Based in Northamptonshire
Organisational Requirements
Applicants must:
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Operate under a written constitution or formal rules
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Include a Northamptonshire-specific dissolution clause
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Have an equalities policy
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Have safeguarding policies in place (where relevant)
Support is available for new groups needing guidance on governance documentation.
Who Is Not Eligible?
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Social enterprises with persons with significant control (generally excluded)
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Organisations operating outside Northamptonshire
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation:
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Is locally based in Northamptonshire
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Has required governance documents
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Meets policy requirements
Step 2: Design a Qualifying Project
Your project must:
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Target older, vulnerable residents
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Address at least two fund objectives
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Clearly outline measurable impact
Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation
Gather:
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Constitution or governing document
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Equalities policy
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Safeguarding policy (if applicable)
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Budget breakdown
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Project plan
Step 4: Submit Application
Complete the official application form and submit it before the stated deadline (if specified in the call).
Ensure all documentation is attached and information is accurate.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly demonstrate local need
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Provide data or examples of winter hardship
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Explain how your project meets at least two aims
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Show realistic budgeting
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Highlight volunteer involvement and community partnerships
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to meet two priority aims
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Submitting incomplete governance documents
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Providing vague project descriptions
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Not clearly defining target beneficiaries
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Ignoring safeguarding or equalities requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available per project?
Grants of up to £3,000 are available.
2. Who benefits from the fund?
Older, vulnerable residents in Northamptonshire.
3. What types of organisations can apply?
Small voluntary, community, or self-help groups based in Northamptonshire.
4. Are social enterprises eligible?
Social enterprises with persons with significant control are generally excluded.
5. Must projects meet all fund objectives?
No. Projects must meet at least two of the outlined aims.
6. Are new organisations eligible?
Yes, provided they have or are willing to develop required governance documents.
7. What policies are required?
Applicants must have an equalities policy and, where relevant, safeguarding policies.
Conclusion
The Surviving Winter Fund provides vital winter support grants of up to £3,000 to community organisations in Northamptonshire.
By addressing fuel poverty, isolation, and rising living costs, the fund strengthens local support networks and protects older residents during the coldest months.
Eligible organisations should design practical, impact-driven projects that meet at least two priority aims to help older people stay warm, safe, and independent throughout winter.
For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.
