Welcome for Newcomers Fund to Support Refugees and Migrants in UK

The Welcome for Newcomers Funding programme provides grants of £200,000 over three years to UK charitable organisations and partnerships supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants as they rebuild their lives and integrate into local communities. The funding supports specialist advice, housing and healthcare assistance, English language learning, employment support, community connection activities, and initiatives that strengthen local cultures of Welcome.

About the Welcome for Newcomers Funding

The Welcome for Newcomers Funding supports organisations and partnerships that help newcomers to the UK settle safely, access essential services, build social connections, and participate fully in community life.

The programme focuses on strengthening organisations that provide comprehensive Welcome support for refugees, people seeking asylum, and other migrants. It aims to create inclusive communities where newcomers can access opportunities, develop independence, and feel a sense of belonging.

The funding supports long-term community-based approaches that combine practical support, relationship building, and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Key Focus Areas of the Funding

The programme supports three main areas of Welcome work:

Specialist Support for Newcomers

Organisations can provide essential services that help newcomers navigate life in the UK, including:

• Immigration advice and guidance on rights and entitlements
• Support accessing housing services
• Healthcare navigation and referrals
• Trauma-informed support services
• English language learning opportunities
• Employment advice, skills development, and job support

Building Belonging and Community Connections

The programme supports activities that help newcomers establish relationships and become active community members, including:

• Social connection activities
• Community events and gatherings
• Food-related initiatives
• Sports and recreational activities
• Arts and cultural programmes
• Volunteering opportunities
• Peer support networks

Improving Local Conditions for Welcome

Funding also supports organisations working to strengthen wider systems and partnerships through:

• Collaboration with employers
• Engagement with education providers
• Partnerships with local authorities
• Advocacy for improved newcomer support systems
• Community awareness and inclusion initiatives

Why It Matters

Many refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants face challenges when rebuilding their lives in a new country, including language barriers, difficulties accessing services, isolation, and challenges finding employment or housing.

The Welcome for Newcomers Funding helps organisations create supportive environments where newcomers can:

• Access essential services and information
• Develop confidence and independence
• Build meaningful relationships
• Participate in community life
• Contribute positively to local communities

The programme also strengthens local networks by encouraging collaboration between charities, communities, employers, educators, and decision-makers.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include charitable organisations and partnerships that meet the programme requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be registered charitable organisations working in the UK
• Have charitable purposes focused on supporting newcomers
• Have at least one year of audited or independently examined accounts
• Maintain updated safeguarding policies and procedures
• Have at least 18 months of experience delivering Welcome support
• Have long-term access to safe and accessible physical spaces for programme delivery

Eligible organisations may include:

• Charities supporting refugees and migrants
• Community-based organisations
• Partnerships delivering newcomer support services
• Local organisations working on inclusion and integration

Priority Considerations

Priority will be given to organisations and partnerships that demonstrate:

• A strong geographical distribution of grant recipients across the UK
• Meaningful involvement of people with lived experience in decision-making
• Community-rooted approaches
• Collaboration with local stakeholders and decision-makers
• Long-term commitment to supporting newcomers

Organisations that involve refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers in designing or leading services will be viewed positively.

Funding Amount and Duration

Successful organisations will receive:

• Grant amount: £200,000
• Funding period: Three years

The funding is intended to support sustainable Welcome programmes rather than short-term activities.

Grant support can help organisations maintain services, strengthen partnerships, improve accessibility, and expand community impact.

How the Programme Works

Funded organisations are expected to deliver effective Welcome support through a combination of:

1. Direct Support Services

Organisations provide practical assistance such as advice, referrals, education support, and employment guidance.

2. Community Integration Activities

Projects create opportunities for newcomers and local residents to connect through social, cultural, and community activities.

3. Partnership Development

Organisations work with local institutions, employers, educators, and authorities to improve support systems.

4. Inclusive Decision-Making

Successful applicants should ensure newcomers with lived experience have opportunities to influence programme design and delivery.

How to Apply

Eligible organisations should prepare an application demonstrating:

• Their experience supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants
• The organisation’s charitable purpose and community role
• Details of current Welcome services
• Evidence of safe and accessible spaces for delivery
• Safeguarding policies and procedures
• Financial information and organisational sustainability
• Plans for supporting newcomers over the funding period

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The communities they support
• The challenges faced by newcomers in their area
• How their approach creates belonging and integration
• How people with lived experience contribute to their work

Common Mistakes and Application Tips

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without demonstrating sufficient Welcome work experience
• Failing to show how newcomers influence service design
• Providing unclear information about safeguarding practices
• Submitting proposals focused only on short-term activities
• Not explaining partnerships with local communities and stakeholders

Tips for stronger applications:

• Highlight measurable community outcomes
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability
• Include examples of successful newcomer support
• Show collaboration with local organisations
• Explain how services create genuine inclusion and belonging

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the Welcome for Newcomers Funding?

The funding supports organisations helping refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants settle in the UK, access services, build relationships, and participate in community life.

2. How much funding is available?

Successful applicants can receive £200,000 over a three-year period.

3. Who can apply for the funding?

UK registered charitable organisations and eligible partnerships supporting newcomers can apply if they meet the programme requirements.

4. What types of activities can the funding support?

Funding can support immigration advice, housing and healthcare assistance, English learning, employment support, community activities, volunteering, arts, sports, and partnership-building initiatives.

5. Do applicants need previous experience supporting newcomers?

Yes. Applicants must have at least 18 months of experience delivering Welcome work and must have charitable purposes focused on supporting newcomers.

6. Are partnerships eligible to apply?

Yes. Partnerships delivering coordinated Welcome support may be eligible if they meet the programme criteria.

7. Why is lived experience important in this programme?

The programme values organisations where refugees, migrants, and newcomers help shape services because their experiences can improve the quality and relevance of support.

Conclusion

The Welcome for Newcomers Funding provides significant support for UK charities and partnerships helping refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants rebuild their lives and become active members of their communities. By investing in specialist services, community connections, and inclusive local systems, the programme aims to create stronger and more welcoming communities across the UK.