Deadline: 28-Jul-2026
The Stay Well This Winter Grants Program provides grants of up to £3,000 to community organizations supporting vulnerable residents during the winter months in Leeds, United Kingdom. The funding helps projects that reduce isolation, improve physical and mental wellbeing, support low-income households, and connect people with essential services and community support.
What is the Stay Well This Winter Grants Program?
The Stay Well This Winter Grants Program is a community funding initiative delivered through a partnership between Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds City Council Public Health.
The program helps local organizations provide practical support, wellbeing activities, outreach services, and community engagement initiatives that reduce the negative health impacts of winter on vulnerable residents.
Now in its sixteenth year, the program aims to strengthen community networks, improve access to support services, and help residents remain warm, healthy, and socially connected throughout the winter season.
Funding Available
- Grant Amount: Up to £3,000
- Core Cost Contribution: Up to 15% of the grant request may be allocated to management or administration costs
- Project Period: Winter-focused activities
- Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Program Objectives
The fund aims to:
- Improve physical and mental wellbeing
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation
- Support vulnerable and marginalized individuals
- Improve access to health and support services
- Promote community connections
- Address mental health stigma
- Help residents stay warm and healthy during winter
- Increase awareness of available support services
Priority Areas
Projects should address one or more of the following priorities:
Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Mental health support
- Emotional wellbeing activities
- Reducing stigma associated with mental health conditions
- Peer support initiatives
Social Inclusion
- Reducing loneliness and isolation
- Community engagement activities
- Befriending services
- Outreach programs
Support for Vulnerable Groups
- Low-income households
- People experiencing homelessness
- Individuals with disabilities
- People with learning disabilities
- Individuals facing mental health challenges
- Children and young people
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- Isolated and marginalized communities
Access to Services
- Information and referral services
- Signposting to support organizations
- Welfare support
- Community navigation services
Eligible Activities
Funding may support additional winter-focused activities such as:
Practical Assistance
- Food delivery services
- Shopping assistance
- Transport support
- Welfare visits
- Welfare phone calls
- Emergency support initiatives
Wellbeing Activities
- Creative workshops
- Community games and activities
- Social gatherings focused on wellbeing
- Mental health support sessions
Winter Support Services
- Distribution of warm clothing
- Bedding and blankets
- Winter wellbeing packs
- Winter health awareness campaigns
Outreach and Engagement
- Services for homeless individuals
- Outreach to isolated residents
- Community engagement activities
- Support for people not currently accessing available services
Health Awareness
- Winter vaccination awareness campaigns
- Public health information activities
- Seasonal wellbeing education
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Organizations
The following organizations may apply:
Incorporated Not-for-Profit Organizations
Organizations registered with:
- Charity Commission
- Companies House
- FCA Mutuals Public Register
Registered Charities
Unincorporated charities may apply, although funding restrictions apply regarding PAYE staff costs.
Small Community Groups
Small unincorporated and unregistered organizations may apply if:
- Annual income is below £10,000
- The grant will not increase annual income above £10,000 during the financial year
Who Can Benefit?
Projects should support vulnerable residents, including:
- Older people
- Children and families
- Low-income households
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- People with disabilities
- People with learning disabilities
- Individuals with mental health conditions
- Socially isolated residents
- Pregnant women
- Marginalized community members
Ineligible Activities and Costs
The program does not fund:
Equipment and Capital Purchases
- Heaters
- Building projects
- Capital appeals
Events and Celebrations
- Cultural celebrations
- Religious celebrations
- Existing lunch clubs
Restricted Activities
- Activities already completed
- Political campaigns
- Religious advocacy
- Discriminatory activities
- Regranting programs
- Activities primarily benefiting animals
- Overseas projects
- International travel or expeditions
Ineligible Applicants
- Individuals
- Statutory organizations
- Projects delivering statutory responsibilities
- Overseas organizations
Why This Funding Matters
Winter can significantly impact vulnerable populations through:
- Increased social isolation
- Higher energy costs
- Reduced mobility
- Mental health challenges
- Greater risk of illness
- Barriers to accessing support services
This program helps community organizations respond directly to these challenges by providing practical assistance, wellbeing support, and community connections that improve quality of life during winter.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization:
- Meets registration requirements
- Operates on a not-for-profit basis
- Serves communities within Leeds
- Can deliver activities during the winter period
Step 2: Design Your Project
Clearly define:
- Target beneficiaries
- Planned activities
- Expected outcomes
- Community need being addressed
Step 3: Prepare a Budget
Include:
- Activity costs
- Staffing costs (where eligible)
- Management costs (up to 15%)
- Materials and delivery expenses
Step 4: Demonstrate Impact
Explain:
- How the project improves wellbeing
- How it reduces isolation
- How beneficiaries will access support
- Expected community outcomes
Step 5: Submit Application
Provide all required organizational and project information before the application deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for Existing Activities
The fund supports additional winter activities rather than routine services already being delivered.
Including Ineligible Costs
Avoid requesting funding for:
- Heaters
- Capital projects
- Religious or political activities
- Existing lunch clubs
Weak Evidence of Need
Clearly demonstrate:
- Community demand
- Beneficiary needs
- Expected outcomes
Lack of Referral Pathways
Show how beneficiaries will be connected to relevant support services when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding can organizations receive?
Organizations can apply for grants of up to £3,000.
2. Can management or administration costs be included?
Yes. Up to 15% of the total grant request may be allocated to core or management costs if justified.
3. Can unregistered community groups apply?
Yes. Small unincorporated and unregistered groups may apply if their annual income is below £10,000 and remains below that threshold after receiving the grant.
4. Does the program fund food delivery and welfare visits?
Yes. Food delivery, shopping assistance, welfare calls, and welfare visits are eligible activities.
5. Can funding be used for homelessness outreach?
Yes. Outreach and support services for people experiencing homelessness are eligible.
6. Are religious or political activities eligible?
No. Political advocacy and religious promotion activities are not eligible for funding.
7. Can funding be used to purchase heaters?
No. Heaters are specifically excluded from funding support.
Conclusion
The Stay Well This Winter Grants Program provides up to £3,000 for community organizations working to improve health, wellbeing, and social connection among vulnerable residents in Leeds during the winter months. By supporting practical assistance, mental health initiatives, outreach services, and community engagement activities, the program helps ensure that residents remain warm, connected, and supported when they need it most.
For more information, visit Leeds Community Foundation.