Important change to grant reapplication timescales in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland

Whilst the external climate means more families need our support, we only have a set amount of grant funding available. Due to the high demand for our grant-making services, we have had to make the difficult decision to change our grant reapplication period for families living in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland- as we did recently for England.

What is changing?

From Tuesday 20 June 2023, families in Wales and Northern Ireland will be able to reapply for a Family Fund grant every 24 months instead of every 12 months.

From the same date, families in Scotland will be able to reapply for a Family Fund grant every 18 months instead of every 12 months. All countries are accepting applications at the moment.

Why is Family Fund making this change?

Family Fund is a charity, and all our grants are discretionary. The number we can provide depends on the amount of funding we have available.

We are now receiving more grant applications than our funding can support. A high number of these applications come from families asking for help for the first time.

This change enables us to prioritise grant-making to families applying to us for the first time, who have never received grant support from us before.

Family Fund would like to thank all families for their understanding.

Questions and answers 

How can I find out when I can next apply?

If you are unsure when you can next apply, please use our application date checker to find out your next application date.

Does this apply to all of Family Fund’s grant programmes?

No. You can see all our grant programmes here.

I’ve never applied to Family Fund before. Does this affect me?

No. You can make your first application at any time.

What other help is available if I can’t apply for a grant?

Our website provides a grant checker, where you can find out about grants from other organisations that you might be eligible for. We also provide information on benefits, money and other support.

My child will turn 18 before I can next apply for the main grant programme – what can I do?

The Your Opportunity programme is aimed at young people aged 18-24 years old and is open to applications.

I reapplied for a grant before Tuesday 20 June. Will my grant application be considered?

Yes. If we received your application before we made the change to the new reapplication date, it will be considered as normal.

If I can’t apply for another two years, can I change my mind about the grant I’ve applied for?

You can change your grant request if you have applied for a grant but have not yet been awarded one, or if you have had a grant awarded in the last three months but have not yet bought any items with your grant. Check the change my grant request page for information on what to do.

Will the reapplication deadline reduce again soon?

No. We expect those to stay at these levels unless there is a significant change in circumstances.

Are you doing anything to get more funding?

Yes. We are doing all we can to raise additional funding so we can support more families.  You can find out about this in the get involved section of our website.

I have another question, not covered here

Please email our team at [email protected].