Grants for groups supporting older people
As of 22 October 2026, GrantMatch lists 22 live grants for groups supporting older people from 10 funders. 2 close in the next 30 days, the first on 22 October 2026, 18 are open all year with no fixed deadline, and 5 were added this week. Each entry links to the official source.
Listings last checked 19 October 2026. Guide checked 21 October 2026.
Lunch clubs, befriending schemes, exercise classes, transport and help to stay independent at home all depend on local groups, and many of them depend on grants. Funders for older people range from community foundation funds for one county to national trusts with programmes for later life.
This page lists live grants for charities, CICs and community groups whose work supports older people. It is for organisations: individual older people looking for help should contact their local council or a national charity for older people.
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Create free accountClosing in the next 30 days (2)
Barchester Charitable Foundation - Group Grants
Barchester Charitable Foundation
Barchester Charitable Foundation Group Grants help small community groups and small local charities that support older people and adults with a disability or mental health condition. The focus is on connecting, or re-connecting, people with others in their local community. The grants can pay for activity projects, equipment or materials that members use, transport costs so members can attend, and day trips, outings or UK group holidays. Awards range from £100 up to £2,600. You can apply if your group is based in England, Scotland, Wales or Jersey. The foundation opens to group applications in January, April, July and October. The October round is open now. It takes up to 10 weeks to process an application, so plan your project dates with that in mind. The foundation will look closely at your accounts, especially your balance sheet. As a guideline, it is very unlikely to help if your financial reserves are over £200,000. There are clear exclusions. The foundation will not fund core or running costs such as salaries and venue hire, indirect services such as websites or newsletters, building projects, or staff and volunteer training. It will not pay for anything already bought or already held. If you have won a grant, you cannot apply again within three years. The foundation may also cap grants to a single charity, including all its branches, in any one year. Official source: https://bhcfoundation.org.uk/apply/who-we-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
The National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland supports projects that strengthen the voice of older people. It also aims to promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing by encouraging more older people to take part in the arts. Grants of £1,000 to £10,000 are available. The programme suits constituted community and voluntary groups working locally to support older people, as long as they can show strong partnership working with older people's groups. Non-governmental organisations, local authorities and arts organisations can also apply if they can clearly show partnership working. The funder wants partnership or consortia-based projects. A partnership can be led by an age sector provider, an arts organisation or a local authority. The consortium must include appropriate representatives and show a real commitment to working together. Other specialists who work with older people can be named as partners. Your project should reflect the partnership approach with the older people you plan to engage, and it should have their support in delivery. Funded projects will have a chance to showcase their work throughout the year, so build this into your programme and budget. Individuals, sole traders, broadcasters (apart from community service broadcasters), central government departments and organisations with statutory duties to provide services for older people cannot apply. You also cannot apply if you hold an unfinished Arts and Older People award from 2024/25 or earlier. Applications are online only. The system shuts at 12 noon on the closing date, so leave plenty of time to upload your documents. Official source: https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/arts-and-older-people-programme. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Added this week (5)
CRS Fund Christmas Meals for Older People
Forever Notts (CRS Fund)
Grants towards a Christmas meal or food parcels for older people, to relieve isolation and improve mental health over Christmas. Amount: Up to £500. Open 29 September to 30 November 2026. Who can apply: Registered charities or constituted community groups working with senior citizens in Nottinghamshire. How to apply: Read the fund criteria on the Forever Notts page, then apply through the Forever Notts Fundseeker Portal (set up a login first). Call 01623 620202 with questions. Official source: https://www.forevernotts.com/grant/crs-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
RTC Fund for Rural Older People
Forever Notts (RTC Fund)
Grants towards community activities that bring older people together, offer befriending or improve their lives in rural Nottinghamshire. Amount: Up to £500. Open until 22 May 2027 (annual closing date 22 May). Who can apply: Community and voluntary groups serving senior citizens in rural Nottinghamshire (countywide, excluding major urban areas). How to apply: Read the fund criteria on the Forever Notts page, then apply through the Forever Notts Fundseeker Portal (set up a login first). Call 01623 620202 with questions. Official source: https://www.forevernotts.com/grant/rtc-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Mercers' Company Older People and Housing Programme
The Mercers' Company
Grants of up to three years for core, project or development costs for organisations combating loneliness and poverty among older people, with preference for minoritised communities, disadvantaged neighbourhoods, informal carers and people with long-term conditions. Amount: £50,000 to £120,000 in total. Rolling: apply any time; committee meets twice a year. Who can apply: Not-for-profit, community-led organisations in Greater London and Norfolk paying the Real Living Wage. Awards are not normally over 50% of annual income. No individuals or capital-only costs. How to apply: Submit an expression of interest through the Mercers application portal. You hear within about four weeks whether to send a full application; decisions take five to eight months. Official source: https://www.mercers.co.uk/older_people_housing_funding_guidelines. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
African and Caribbean Elders Service Legacy Fund
Northamptonshire Community Foundation
Grants for core, capital and project costs of Black and Global Majority-led organisations supporting older people, for example access to services, support at home, advice and advocacy, health and wellbeing and reducing isolation. Amount: Up to £3,000. Rolling: no fixed deadline; applications reviewed monthly. Who can apply: Black and Global Majority-led community organisations in Northamptonshire supporting older people from those communities. How to apply: Read the fund guidance on the Northamptonshire Community Foundation page and apply through the online form linked there. NCF recommends speaking to its grants team before applying. Official source: https://www.ncf.uk.com/grants/grants-available/african-and-caribbean-elders-service-legacy-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Mercers' Company Church and Communities Programme
The Mercers' Company
One to three year grants for churches and faith and community organisations building stronger communities in deprived areas (including support for refugees and homeless people) or giving whole-family support to families and unpaid carers facing poverty. Amount: £10,000 to £120,000 in total. Rolling: apply any time; committee meets four times a year. Who can apply: Churches and faith or community-based organisations in Greater London, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Tees Valley, Lincolnshire and Norfolk. Not work solely for young or older people, or solely to advance a faith. How to apply: Submit an expression of interest through the Mercers application portal. You hear within about four weeks whether to send a full application; decisions take three to five months. Official source: https://www.mercers.co.uk/church_and_communities_funding_guidelines. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Guide
Checked 21 October 2026 against the official sources linked.
What these grants fund
Most of the grants below are small and pay for activities, outings, equipment, volunteer costs or a seasonal project such as winter meals. A few larger programmes fund housing and long-term services. Many funds use an age threshold, such as over 50s, over 55s or over 65s, so check who counts as older for each one.
Loneliness and connection
Many funders link older people with loneliness and isolation. If your project brings people together, explain how you will reach those who are most isolated, not only those who already come along, and how people will stay in touch afterwards.
Age-friendly places
The Centre for Ageing Better runs the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities, which brings together places working to make their area better for people as they age. If your area is a member, mention how your project fits its plans.
Source: Centre for Ageing Better
Involve older people
Funders want to see older people shaping the project, not only receiving it. Quote people who take part, show how they helped plan it, and note any volunteers who are older people themselves. Peer-led groups, run by older people for older people, are often a strong fit for small grants.
Who funds this
| Funder | Open grants here |
|---|---|
| Cumbria Community Foundation | 12 |
| The Mercers' Company | 2 |
| Arts Council of Northern Ireland | 1 |
| Barchester Charitable Foundation | 1 |
| Bernard Sunley Foundation | 1 |
| Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland | 1 |
| Forever Notts (CRS Fund) | 1 |
| Forever Notts (RTC Fund) | 1 |
10 different funders in total. Where a maximum award is stated, the middle value is £3,000.
By grant size
| Largest award | Open grants |
|---|---|
| Up to £2,000 | 7 |
| £2,001 to £10,000 | 10 |
| £10,001 to £100,000 | 0 |
| Over £100,000 | 2 |
| Amount varies or not stated | 3 |
All open grants (22)
No deadline listed
Check the funder's current application window before you apply.
Rowan Community First Fund
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Rowan Community First Fund is run by Cumbria Community Foundation and is funded by an anonymous donor. It gives grants to organisations for work that reduces poverty, improves health, tackles social inequality and helps people reach their potential. It also backs projects that nurture a sense of place or promote climate action. Grants will normally be up to £2,000 over one year. That makes it a good fit if you need a modest sum for running costs or activities. Priority will go to projects that support the education of children and young people, provide training to help people get back into employment, or help older people stay socially connected. Groups run in the Eden area are also given priority. Past projects give a flavour of what the fund backs. They include computer classes for adults, drop-in clubs for older people in rural areas, activities and running costs for a youth organisation, and nursery provision that let parents return to work. The fund is for charitable, not-for-profit organisations. It will not support individuals, and the foundation's normal exclusions also apply on top of this, so make sure your project fits before you start. All applications are now made through the foundation's online application portal. A step-by-step portal help guide is available. If you have questions, you can call Lisa Blackwell on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org. Official source: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/rowan-community-first-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Over 55 Community First Fund
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Over 55 Community First Fund is run by Cumbria Community Foundation. It gives grants to organisations that benefit people aged 55 and over in the communities of the former local authority areas of Allerdale, Carlisle and Eden. The money comes from the donor, Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Limited. The fund backs initiatives that reduce poverty, improve health, tackle social inequality and help people reach their potential. It also supports projects that nurture a sense of place or promote climate action. The page gives examples of what the fund supports. These include exercise classes for older people, befriending or social activities to reduce isolation, and IT classes and digital education. It also covers equipment for a community centre that will also benefit older people, and improvements to community facilities that make them easier for older people to use. Grants will normally be less than £5,000 over one year. That makes the fund a good fit for small, focused projects. Charitable not-for-profit organisations can apply. Individuals cannot, and the foundation's normal exclusions also apply, so read those before you start. All applications go through the foundation's online application portal. The page links to a step-by-step help guide to walk you through it. If you would like to talk your idea through first, the page names a contact at the foundation for this fund. Official source: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/abbeyfield-carlisle-society-over-55-community-first-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Supporting people aged over 65 to be independent, healthy and socially included
Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland
The Pargiter Trust Fund supports people aged over 65 to stay independent, healthy and socially included. It is open to organisations working in Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland. Grants are available up to £10,000. The closing date is 31 August 2026.
Bernard Sunley Foundation
Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Bernard Sunley Foundation funds charities in England and Wales. It supports work that improves quality of life for young people, older people, disabled people, and those who are disadvantaged. You can apply if your charity works with one or more of these groups.
Laurel House Brampton Fund
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Laurel House Brampton Fund from Cumbria Community Foundation supports activities that benefit older people aged 60 and over who live in the Parish of Brampton and the surrounding area. The money comes from the Laurel House Management Committee. Grants will normally be up to £2,000 over one year. Multiple-year grants may be considered, depending on the project. Priority goes to projects that reduce isolation for older people or improve their health and wellbeing. The funder gives clear examples of what it supports. These include social activities such as regular meetings, pie and pea suppers, lunches, coffee mornings, meals out and regular outings and trips. They also include activities and outings that improve the health and welfare of older people, especially those with mobility issues or disabilities, and their carers. Sessions with speakers or organisations that offer advice and guidance, such as benefits advice, are also supported. The fund is open to charitable not-for-profit organisations. It will not support individuals. The foundation's normal exclusions apply as well, so it is worth reading them before you start your application. All applications are made through the foundation's online application portal, and there is a step-by-step help guide for using it. If you have questions about the fund, you can contact Joe Cosby on 01900 511 856 or at grants@cumbriafoundation.org. Remember that the benefit must reach older people in the Brampton area, so make that link clear in your project plans. Official source: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/laurel-house-brampton-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Eden Rural Community Fund
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Eden Rural Community Fund, run by Cumbria Community Foundation, gives grants to organisations that provide a service for residents of Eden District and the surrounding area. The service must support people over the age of 18 who need help and care because of frailty, age, ill health, or a mental or physical disability. The aim is to help them live independently and safely in their own homes. Families and carers can benefit too. Priority goes to projects that support older people, particularly vulnerable and isolated older people. It also goes to projects for adults aged 18 or over with physical disabilities, mental health needs or learning disabilities, and for carers. Community and volunteer-led initiatives that deliver or improve access to services in rural areas are a priority as well. Examples of projects supported include exercise classes for older people, befriending or social activities to reduce isolation, and equipment for a community centre that will also benefit older people. Improvements to community facilities that make them easier for older people to use are also on the list. One-off grants for capital equipment will be considered. The maximum grant will normally be £3,000, and multi-year funding may be considered. The money comes from charitable funds held by Eden Housing Association after Eden Community Alarms was dissolved. One practical point: individuals cannot apply, and the foundation's normal exclusions also apply. All applications are made through the online application portal. Official source: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/eden-rural-community-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
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Create free accountEvening Hill Grassroots Fund
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Evening Hill Grassroots Fund is run by Cumbria Community Foundation and funded by an anonymous donor. It gives grants to organisations in Cumbria. The fund supports work with young people aged 16-25, older people and people living in rural areas. You can apply for initiatives that reduce poverty, improve health, tackle social inequality, or help people reach their potential. You can also apply for projects that nurture a sense of place or promote climate action. The fund suits charitable, not-for-profit organisations. Priority will go to projects that support children and young people, improve the quality of life for elderly people, or improve the lives of children, young people and older people in rural communities. Grants will normally be up to £2,000 over one year, so plan a project that can be delivered within that time. Please note that the fund will not support individuals, or refurbishments and improvements to village halls. The foundation's normal exclusions also apply. All applications are made through the foundation's online application portal. The page links to a step-by-step portal help guide, which is worth reading before you start. If you would like more information about the fund, you can call Tracy Cheesbrough on 01900 512 395 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org. It is a useful option if your organisation works with young or older people in Cumbria's rural communities. Official source: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/evening-hill-grassroots-grants-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Questions
How many grants for older people projects are open?
Today GrantMatch lists 22 live grants for groups supporting older people, from 10 funders. 17 offer up to £10,000.
Are these grants for individuals?
No. They are for organisations that work with older people. Individuals may be able to get help from their council, such as a Disabled Facilities Grant for home adaptations, or from national charities for older people.
What age counts as older?
It depends on the funder. Some funds are for people over 50, others over 55, 60 or 65. Each grant page sets out who the funder means.
Can a lunch club get a grant?
Yes, many small grants pay for lunch clubs and social groups for older people, covering food, venue hire, transport and volunteer costs.
How do you check these grants?
We collect grants from official funder pages, GOV.UK, councils and community foundations, and remove them when they close. Each grant page links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply.
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Sources and how we check
We collect grants from official funder pages and remove them when they close. Each grant page links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply. Guide sources: