Utilita Giving, a recently registered charity that is the charitable arm of Utilita is offering grants to charities and other not-for-profit organisations that are supporting people in fuel and food poverty in England, Scotland or Wales.
Earlier this month, Utilita Giving's new Executive Director Helen Boardman announced a £5 million dedicated fund to help households access the food and fuel they need.
Commenting on the new fund, Helen Boardman said:
"The affordability crisis being faced by millions of households, who have been plunged below the poverty line, is now so deep-rooted that people cannot see a way out.
"Utilita Giving's initial £5 million fund will provide aid and debt relief to allow households to become self-sufficient once again."
The charity is providing funding (there is no set minimum or maximum grant) for projects that fall within Utilita Giving's purpose of supporting people in fuel and food poverty.
The charity will prioritise funding that goes to:
- Relieve fuel poverty or food poverty.
- Educating the public in matters relating to fuel poverty or food poverty, including causes and impacts of such poverty and the things people can do to help prevent it.
The funding can be used for a number of different things that support people in fuel and food poverty.
Examples include:
- Additional paid staff to support a fuel poverty advice phoneline.
- Additional money to feed disadvantaged families in a warm and welcome space.
- A new van or transport for foodbanks charities to collect and redistribute food.
Applications will be accepted from:
- Charities which are registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales, or which are exempt or excepted charities (within the meaning of the Charities Act 2011).
- Charities which are registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
- An activity that is charitable under English or Scottish law.
Applications can be made at any time with a response within 14 working days.