The 14 organisations selected for funding in 2024, are as follows:
Through these 14 organisations, people in need who are living in the borough can apply for a grant of up to £400. Listed below are the criteria for grants to be awarded:
The Richmond Charities Revised Grant Funding Criteria 2024
- Grants must be awarded to people in need, hardship or distress who cannot afford the cost of the item themselves either from their income or from any savings that they have.
- Grants must be awarded to people living in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and ideally to those who have been living in the borough for at least 2 years. However, in urgent cases of need, discretion can be used and grants can be awarded to people who have lived in the borough for a shorter period of time.
- Organisations must ensure that the client has applied for and received a Local Assistance Grant if they are eligible and / or funding from the Household Support Fund before awarding them a grant from The Richmond Charities or Richmond Philanthropic Society.
- Grants are permitted to be made to an individual or family more than once, as long as the grant is for a different reason and that it is not within the same calendar year. However, in cases of extreme need, discretion can be used.
- Grants can be awarded up to a maximum of £400 for individuals and £600 for families, though in exceptional circumstances, discretion can be used and a higher grant can be awarded.
- Grants can be awarded for a wide range of items/support including, but not restricted to, the list below. The only prescribed things for which grant funding cannot be used are for home improvements for owner occupiers or for political purposes or campaigning.
Grant funding can be used for the following (this list is not exhaustive and discretion can be used):
- Furniture
- White goods
- General household items
- Food and basic amenities / basic living expenses
e.g. whilst benefits have been suspended - Bedding / furnishings / curtains
- Clothing
- Travel expenses e.g. to hospital appts
- Utility bills and arrears
- Rent arrears
- Council Tax arrears
- Clearing debts
- Debt relief orders
- Bankruptcy fee
- Counselling
- Respite for carers
- Vocational training / help to get back into work / equipment for new job (e.g. PAT course, Skilled Worker test)
- Cost of convalescent care
- Mobility aids
- Specialist equipment
- iPad/tablets/computers for those otherwise isolated and cut off
- Deep clean / help with hoarding issues
- Removal costs
If you are in need of a grant and think you meet the criteria above, you can contact one of the 14 organisations directly, to ask if they are able to award you a grant.