Deadline: 01-Jun-2026

The Leeds Building Society Foundation provides grants of up to £2,500 to UK-registered charities working to improve safe, secure housing and prevent homelessness. The funding prioritises Housing First approaches, trauma-informed care, and services supporting people experiencing housing insecurity.

It offers flexible support for core costs, project delivery, and capital expenses to strengthen small charities across the UK.

The Leeds Building Society Foundation Grant Programme supports UK charities working to improve access to safe, secure, and stable housing. It focuses on tackling homelessness and housing insecurity through practical, community-based support services.

Funding Priorities and Focus Areas

Core Funding Priorities

• Financial stress and poverty reduction
• Safe housing and emergency refuge support
• Improving housing quality and suitability
• Homelessness prevention services

Additional Wellbeing Support

• Mental health and wellbeing support for homeless individuals
• Integrated support for vulnerable people
• Services improving long-term housing stability

Preferred Approaches

Applicants are encouraged to use:

• Housing First models
• Relationship-based support
• Trauma-informed care
• Psychologically informed environments (PIE)

What the Grant Supports

• Core operational costs
• Homelessness and housing support services
• Staff and delivery costs
• Small capital improvements
• Outreach and engagement programmes
• Emergency accommodation support

Funding is flexible to meet organisational needs.

Funding Amount and Structure

• Maximum grant: £2,500 per application
• Duration: 6 months to 1 year
• Annual distribution: approx. £350,000
• Funded by Leeds Building Society and member donations

Decisions are made by an independent Board of Trustees.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• UK-registered charities
• Working in housing or homelessness support
• Annual turnover under £500,000
• Based anywhere in the UK

Additional Expectations

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strength-based practice
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Experience with vulnerable groups
• Safe and secure housing support delivery

Why This Grant Matters

• Reduces homelessness in the UK
• Improves access to safe housing
• Supports vulnerable individuals and families
• Strengthens small charities
• Encourages innovative housing solutions
• Improves wellbeing and mental health outcomes

How the Grant Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare Application

Define:

• Housing issue addressed
• Target group
• Outcomes and impact
• Budget plan

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Confirm:

• Charity registration
• Turnover under £500,000
• Alignment with priorities

Step 3: Submit Application

• Applications accepted year-round

Step 4: Assessment

Reviewed quarterly by trustees based on:

• Impact potential
• Alignment with priorities
• Organisational capacity

Step 5: Decision

Applicants are informed after trustee meetings.

Step 6: Payment

• Funds paid via bank transfer
• Usually within 8 weeks

Step 7: Reporting

• Submit final impact report
• Show outcomes and use of funds

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak link to housing outcomes
• Missing eligibility requirements
• Poor budget clarity
• Lack of evidence-based approach
• Incomplete reporting
• Misaligned project scope

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define housing impact
• Use proven support models
• Provide measurable outcomes
• Show community need
• Demonstrate organisational capacity
• Align strongly with priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

UK-registered charities working in housing or homelessness support.

2. What is the maximum funding?

Up to £2,500 per application.

3. Are small charities eligible?

Yes, if turnover is under £500,000.

4. What can funding be used for?

Core costs, staffing, and project delivery.

5. Are capital costs allowed?

Yes, small capital expenses are eligible.

6. When are decisions made?

Quarterly by trustees.

7. How long does payment take?

Usually within 8 weeks of approval.

Conclusion

The Leeds Building Society Foundation Grant Programme strengthens UK charities working in housing and homelessness support. By funding flexible, high-impact projects, it helps vulnerable people access safe, stable homes and improves long-term housing outcomes.

For more information, visit Leeds Building Society Foundation.