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RFPs: Funding for Charities Working in Mental Health (UK)

Deadline: 05-Jan-2026

The Wolfson Foundation offers capital funding for UK charities and local authorities to enhance mental health services, focusing on new buildings, refurbishment, and essential equipment. Grants prioritize projects that increase service access, improve quality, and ensure long-term sustainability, with projects requiring a minimum capital cost of £50,000 and at least £25,000 in funding shortfall. Eligible organisations must provide significant mental health support and, where applicable, hold at least a ‘Good’ rating from regulatory bodies such as CQC or Ofsted.

Overview

The Wolfson Foundation Mental Health Funding supports capital projects that:

  • Expand access for new and existing service users

  • Enhance the quality and range of mental health services

  • Strengthen the organisation’s future sustainability

Funding is designed to contribute to meaningful outcomes in mental health, including training, employment, and supported housing projects, ensuring long-term benefits for service users.

Eligible Projects

  • New buildings for mental health services

  • Refurbishment works improving service environments

  • Essential equipment supporting mental health care

Minimum capital costs: £50,000
Minimum funding shortfall: £25,000

Exclusions

The program does not fund:

  • Projects where mental health support is a minor part of operations

  • Support/therapy centres for conditions such as cancer or MS

  • Hospital or clinical care facilities

  • Carers’ organisations and respite services

  • Ex-armed forces charities unless linked to mental health or physical disabilities

  • Sports, leisure, arts, or music facilities

  • Land or building purchases

  • Grants to individuals

  • Overheads, VAT, salaries, running costs, maintenance

  • Promotional materials, events, loan repayments

  • Completed projects

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Registered charities or local authorities in the UK

  • Organisations where mental health or disability support forms a substantial part of services

  • Organisations under regulatory oversight (CQC, Ofsted) with at least a ‘Good’ rating

How to Apply / How It Works

The application process follows two stages:

Stage 1: Initial Submission

  1. Provide a brief project description

  2. Outline total capital costs and funding shortfall

  3. Provide project timeline

  4. Confirm support from Chief Executive or equivalent

  5. Upload audited accounts for the past two years

Stage 2: Full Application (by invitation only)

  1. Submit a detailed project plan

  2. Ensure at least 25% of capital costs are secured for projects over £80,000

  3. Obtain planning permission unless otherwise agreed

  4. Final applications assessed twice yearly (June and December)

  5. Projects must not be completed prior to funding decision

Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Confirm mental health is a primary focus of your organisation

  • Avoid submitting applications for ineligible costs

  • Ensure audited financial statements are complete and accurate

  • Secure partial funding or planning permissions early to strengthen Stage 2 submission

  • Include support letters and evidence of long-term service sustainability

FAQ

1. What is the minimum grant threshold?
Projects must have capital costs of at least £50,000 with a funding shortfall of £25,000.

2. Can hospitals apply?
No, hospital or clinical care facilities are excluded.

3. Are projects for arts or leisure facilities eligible?
No, projects focused on sports, leisure, arts, or music facilities are not supported.

4. Do applicants need regulatory approval?
Yes, organisations under CQC or Ofsted must hold a ‘Good’ rating or above.

5. When are funding decisions made?
Twice yearly, in June and December.

6. Can projects already completed receive funding?
No, projects must remain incomplete until funding decisions are issued.

7. Is match funding required?
Yes, at Stage 2, projects over £80,000 must typically have 25% of capital costs already secured.

Why It Matters

This program empowers UK charities and local authorities to improve mental health services, providing better access, quality, and sustainability. By funding strategic capital projects, the Wolfson Foundation ensures that investments lead to long-term impact, addressing the needs of service users and strengthening organisational capacity for years to come.

For more information, visit The Wolfson Foundation.