Charities and community organisations across the Midlands, South West England, and South Wales are invited to apply for a share of a major support fund set up by National Grid Electricity Distribution to help tackle fuel poverty this winter.
Working again in partnership with Localgiving, the National Grid’s Community Matters Fund has already supported more than 900 grassroots organisations since it was launched in 2021 as an urgent response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Now National Grid is calling on charities, councils and community groups of all sizes to apply for fuel poverty support grants of up to £10,000 from the latest phase of its fund. Grants will support grassroots organisations to tackle fuel poverty in their communities by helping people to save energy, keep their homes warm and access warm community spaces this winter.
Chris Hayton, director of corporate affairs at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “Unfortunately, many families will be continuing to struggle with the costs of keeping their homes warm this coming winter.
“Our fund will help to address fuel poverty and provide much needed support to those who need it most. Projects that receive funding will provide a crucial lifeline by offering direct support and energy efficiency measures to help families and households stay warm this winter, contributing to the overall wellbeing and resilience of the communities and homes we serve. Charities and community groups will also be given access to a wealth of invaluable resources, like free energy efficiency advice, so they can provide tailor-made, local support for the communities they work with.”
Andrei Yusfin, CEO of Localgiving, added: “We are proud to support National Grid and the Community Matters Fund once again. Every day we see firsthand the amazing and sometimes even lifesaving projects this fund has helped support and know that the need for help is as great as ever. The team here are all excited to have launched the latest fund and are here to support our grassroots community every step of the way.”
Support will be given to projects committed to:
- Helping people get energy tariff advice or support accessing funding schemes, including, but not limited to, winter fuel discounts and Social Fund scheme
Providing energy efficiency or heating solutions to people living in fuel poverty
- Operating a “warm bank” in a community building
- Improving energy efficiency in a community building used as a warm space
- Providing warm packs to vulnerable households e.g. radiator bleed keys, heavy curtains, blankets, radiator foil etc.
- Other innovative approaches to combating fuel poverty
Registered charities, community groups and local authorities are all eligible to apply with more details and links to the application process available here https://localgiving.org/community-matters-fund-fuel-poverty-2023/ .
