Deadline: 01-Feb-2026
The Dementia Carers Fund provides grants of up to £3,000 to charitable organisations in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that support unpaid carers of people living with dementia. The fund focuses on providing respite, practical help, and emotional support to carers, encouraging self-care, reducing isolation, and fostering volunteer befriender initiatives to ease the daily pressures of caregiving.
About the Dementia Carers Fund
The Dementia Carers Fund is designed to support unpaid carers, individuals who dedicate significant time and energy to looking after loved ones living with dementia. The fund recognises the unique pressures carers face, including limited personal time, emotional strain, and physical exhaustion, and aims to provide resources that allow them to maintain their wellbeing while continuing to care effectively.
Purpose and Objectives
The Fund’s primary objectives are:
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Relieve daily pressures: Enable carers to attend to personal needs such as medical appointments or self-care tasks.
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Provide respite and support: Offer short breaks that allow carers to recharge emotionally and physically.
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Encourage wellbeing: Promote activities that support mental health, social connection, and physical care.
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Strengthen community support: Develop volunteer befriender initiatives that reduce isolation for carers and those they care for.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organisations include:
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Charitable organisations operating within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
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Groups running projects that provide practical help, emotional support, or respite for unpaid dementia carers.
Ineligible applicants: For-profit entities or organisations outside the specified geographic area.
Funding Details
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Grant amount: Up to £3,000 per project.
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Purpose: Support initiatives offering respite, practical support, emotional assistance, or befriender programs.
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Scope: Projects can include day trips, respite services, volunteer befriender schemes, or activities that provide personal care relief for carers.
How It Works / How to Apply
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Identify a project or initiative that directly supports unpaid dementia carers.
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Ensure the organisation meets eligibility criteria (charitable status, operating within Cambridgeshire or Peterborough).
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Prepare a project proposal outlining:
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Objectives and expected outcomes
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Activities and timeline
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Number of carers supported
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Budget up to £3,000
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Submit the application through the designated grant portal or as directed by the fund administrator.
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Await review and approval; approved projects will receive funding to implement the proposed activities.
Key Focus Areas for Projects
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Respite for carers: Short breaks, day activities, or temporary care solutions.
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Practical support: Assistance with daily tasks to reduce stress.
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Emotional wellbeing: Counselling, peer support, or befriender programs.
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Volunteer initiatives: Training volunteers to provide companionship for carers or those living with dementia.
Tips for Applicants
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Clearly demonstrate how the project alleviates carer stress.
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Highlight community impact and number of carers supported.
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Include practical budget plans showing how funds will be allocated.
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Emphasise volunteer engagement or partnerships, if applicable.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the Dementia Carers Fund?
Charitable organisations operating in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that support unpaid carers of people living with dementia.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to £3,000 per project.
3. What types of activities are supported?
Respite services, practical help, emotional support, volunteer befriender programs, or similar initiatives that benefit carers.
4. Can for-profit organisations apply?
No, only registered charitable organisations are eligible.
5. Is there a geographic restriction for projects?
Yes, projects must operate in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.
6. Can the fund be used for long-term care costs?
No, the focus is on short-term respite, wellbeing, and support activities for carers.
7. Are volunteer-led initiatives supported?
Yes, the fund encourages volunteer befriender programs that reduce isolation and provide companionship.
Conclusion
The Dementia Carers Fund provides vital support for unpaid carers, helping them to maintain wellbeing, access respite, and receive practical and emotional support. By funding innovative projects and volunteer programs, the fund ensures carers are not left to face daily challenges alone, ultimately benefiting both carers and those living with dementia.
For more information, visit Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.