The Halton Foundation (administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside)

The Halton Foundation – Individuals

Grants to individuals, not organisations: residents of Halton borough in hardship can apply for up to £350 (more in exceptional circumstances) for items such as white goods, furniture, bedding, winter clothing or mobility aids. Young people under 25 in Widnes can also apply for educational support. Runcorn residents are no longer eligible because funding for them has been exhausted, and applications need a letter of support from an organisation or individual aware of the applicant's situation.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: Up to £350; no fixed round
Deadline: Rolling; apply any time
Effort: Light; short form, little evidence needed

Who can apply

Individuals only, resident in Halton borough and in need of additional help, particularly those affected by the COVID pandemic; Runcorn residents can no longer apply, so in practice this means Widnes and the rest of Halton outside Runcorn
The educational strand is for young people under 25 living in Widnes
Every application must include a letter of support/reference from an appropriate organisation or individual (e.g. Citizens Advice, a local councillor, local charity or community group) aware of the applicant's situation; educational applicants need a letter from the course provider, educational establishment or employer

What it funds

Items, services or facilities that reduce hardship and distress for individuals in need, particularly those adversely affected by the COVID pandemic: white goods, furniture, bedding, clothes/winter wear, and disability equipment such as mobility aids
Also educational support for under-25s in Widnes: sports coaching fees, help to study music or other arts, course books and equipment for further study, help to gain employment, or travel abroad to pursue education
Applicants must evidence need and show funding is not available elsewhere (e.g. government funding)

What it will not fund

Applications from individuals living in Runcorn (funding for Runcorn residents is exhausted)
Requests where funding is available from elsewhere, e.g. government funding

How to apply

Download the individuals' application form via the 'Apply Now' button
Obtain a letter of support/reference from an appropriate organisation or individual (or from your course provider/employer for educational requests)
Email the completed form and all supporting documents to applications@cflm.org.uk
Community Foundation staff check eligibility and may contact you for more information; a decision-making panel then makes recommendations

The Foundation encourages looking at local suppliers of furniture and white goods, which may be cheaper than national retailers.

If you have applied in the last 12 months and already provided the documents, you need not resend them, though a more recent bank statement may be requested.

Have ready

Proof of residency in Halton (e.g. utility bill or driving licence showing home address)
Recent bank statement
Letter of support/reference

Not needed again if supplied within the last 12 months, though a newer bank statement may be requested.

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