Debt Advice Modernisation Fund 2024/25

Grants are available for not-for-profit advice sector organisations delivering free to client debt advice in England only to support projects aimed at enhancing and modernising debt advice services within England.

The funding is intended to help organisations access new tools, technologies, and training that improve efficiency, accessibility and user experience, particularly for the most vulnerable. This fund is ideal for organisations seeking to modernise their debt advice services and create impactful improvements for its organisation and clients.

The objectives of the grant fund are:

Enhance service delivery: Support organisations in innovating or modernising their debt advice services through the adoption of new tools, technologies, and processes, improving efficiency and effectiveness.
Improve accessibility: Increase the accessibility of debt advice services by implementing solutions that make it easier for clients to access support, such as digital platforms, remote services or improved physical accessibility.
Drive sustainable change: Encourage lasting improvements in service provision that continue beyond the funding period, ensuring the long-term impact of the projects.
Foster innovation: Promote innovative approaches to debt advice that respond to evolving client needs and sector challenges.

These objectives aim to create a more efficient, client-centred debt advice sector capable of meeting current and future demands.

Grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 are available.

Projects must be completed by 31 March 2025.

It is intended for funding amounts to be issued to successful applicants on a milestone basis.

Registered not-for-profits organisations, such as charities or community interest companies (CICs) can apply.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Have an annual turnover of less than £1.5 million (ie, £1,499,999 or less) verified by Charity Commission annual accounts.
Currently be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide debt counselling and adjusting services.
Directly provide free to client debt advice.
Be located and provide free debt advice services in England only.
Demonstrate sound financial status.
Ensure they can meet the 31 March 2025 completion and spending deadline.
Ensure their proposal includes an innovative or modernisation element and is not solely focussed on ongoing operational costs.
Operate in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
Hold adequate insurance coverage to operate.
Be able to confirm that their proposal is not currently being funded by another funding stream.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding is for projects that aim to support modernising the accessibility, quality assurance and effectiveness of debt advice services and/or help to build a foundation for longer-term success. All activities and spending must be completed by 31 March 2025.

Eligible focus areas include but are not limited to:

Digital Transformation.
Adoption of a new technology: this could be mobile apps, AI-driven tools or digital self-service platforms to enhance advice delivery and efficiency.
Access and Inclusion: expanding access to debt advice for underserved or vulnerable populations, such as those with disabilities, language barriers, or in remote regions.
Operational modernisation: streamlining internal processes, improving case management, or developing tools that increase the efficiency and scale of services.
Workforce Development: enhancing the skills and capabilities of staff by providing training for wellbeing, and digital and technical skills to improve modern service delivery.

Proposals submitted must ensure that there is a modernisation or innovative component and the project must not focus solely on ongoing operational costs.