Winter Resilience Fund

We established the Winter Resilience Fund in response to the growing need for enhanced community support during the colder months. Recognising the increased pressures faced by individuals and families during the winter, our fund aims to help local groups deliver practical, targeted support to those most affected.

We want to empower community organisations to take action—whether through warm spaces, food provision, wellbeing activities, or other initiatives that strengthen local resilience. However, our fund may only be able to cover a portion of your total project costs, as funding is limited.

You can apply for funding for activities and expenses incurred between October 2026 and March 2027 only, ensuring timely and relevant support during the most challenging period of the year.

Fund Priorities

Your project must support people who are particularly vulnerable during the winter months and respond to needs that arise or become more acute at this time.

We will give priority to:

projects supporting older people;
work that responds to needs identified by local people
organisations with an annual income of less than £500,000 are eligible to apply. Within this, priority will be given to organisations with an annual turnover of less than £250,000.

Size of grants

Grants up to £2,500

You can apply for up to £2,500. Due to high demand and limited funds, we may not be able to award the full amount you request. We may need to change the maximum grant available as funding is allocated, and we will close the fund once all available funding has been committed.

Who can apply?

Before applying, please ensure that you read the guidance notes: Winter Resilience Guidance Notes – Oct26

Also, please read our How to Apply page for information on general eligibility

Your organisation must:

Be either a small voluntary organisation, community group, small charity or other type of not-for-profit organisation provided that the purpose of the grant is wholly charitable. (Please see our FAQs for additional requirements for CICs and CBSs – these were updated in April 2025.)
Be based in East Yorkshire, Hull, North Yorkshire or York
Have a governing document (also known as a constitution, rules, memorandum, or articles of association) in the name of their organisation outlining charitable objectives and with a charitable dissolution clause
Have a bank account in your group/ organisation’s name with at least two signatories, who are not related to one another
Have an annual income of under £500,000 per annum

Please see the guidance notes for specific exclusions of who or what cannot be funded.

As a general guide we consider a small organisation to have an income of under £500,000 per annum. If your income is over this we may still be able to fund you. However we ask that you contact us before making an application.

How to apply?

Firstly, please read the guidance notes carefully: Winter Resilience Guidance Notes – Oct26

Then follow the link below to apply.

Next, attach your supporting documents to your application. Alternatively, you can email them to [email protected]

Finally, your application is only complete when we have received all your supporting documents.

When to apply?

While funds are available there is no deadline, and we will consider applications on a rolling basis. Your activity must be for Winter Resilience. Therefore, your projects/ activity and all associated spending should be completed by 31^st March 2027.

You will hear from us with a decision within 4 weeks of submitting your completed application.

Apply now