COSARAF Hardship Funding to Support Vulnerable Families and Individuals

COSARAF is offering grants of up to £2,000 to organisations that support families and individuals from across the UK who are in financial need and struggling with everyday costs such as basic expenses, utilities, or rent arrears.

The Hardship Grants Programme supports recognised third-party social organisations, such as charities, housing associations, schools, and social services, which are acting on behalf of a family or individual in need, with priority being given to:

• the most financially excluded people
• families over individuals
• those with caring responsibilities
• items that will make the most difference to the individual/family’s long-term future

Funding can be used to support vulnerable individuals with costs such as:

• Household items (white goods and occasionally other items i.e. sofas, wardrobes etc.)
• Basic living expenses (utilities or food)
• Work or education-related expenses (interview clothes, school uniforms, laptops)
• Rent arrears and Council tax arrears, but only where there is a clear and obvious risk of homelessness (for rent arrears involving a social landlord please outline what support has already been offered to your tenant)
• Contribution to immigration-related costs, where the current immigration status directly causes financial hardship to the applicant.

Applications are assessed every six weeks, and groups can expect to receive a response within eight weeks of their application.

‍Applications can be submitted at any time.‍