Grants are available for charities and community groups for projects to reduce loneliness and isolation among people over 65 living in the more deprived areas of England, Scotland and Wales.
Grants up to £7,500 are available.
Who Can Apply
Registered charities, community groups and CICs based in England, Scotland and Wales may apply. Groups must be independent and have a bank account in the organisation’s name. Organisations must be working with adults aged 65 and over, delivering services that help reduce loneliness and isolation and creating social connections.
Charities that serve a broad older population may apply (but not dementia-specific groups).
Exempt charities may be considered. Additionally, CICs must be limited by guarantee but cannot apply for core cost funding.
Only organisations with an annual income less than £250,000 may apply, and groups must have less than 12 months of running costs in reserve and a clear reserves policy in place.
Applications should demonstrate how the initiative aligns with the McCarthy Stone Foundation priorities. Also, the proposal should show how funding will potentially benefit those over 65 years old in the community plus indicate the potential number of beneficiaries.
Priority will be given to applications working in the more deprived areas in Britain. To ensure an equitable allocation of funds and to help with selection of grant applicants, there is a place-based approach to reviewing grant applications: funding will be prioritised to organisations able to demonstrate they are working in specified locations in Britain and are selected based on data from the ONS, Age UK and the Centre for Ageing Better, with a key focus on areas where income deprivation and loneliness affecting older people is most acute.
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Dementia-specific charities and groups.
- Individuals.
- Profit-making organisations.
- Groups with an annual income over £250,000.
- Contributions to general appeals or circulars.
- Religious activity which is not for wider public benefit.
- Public bodies to carry out their statutory obligations.
- Activities which solely support animal welfare.
- Activities which have already taken place.
- Grant-making by other organisations.
- Privately owned and profit-distributing companies or limited partnerships.
- Northern Ireland or overseas groups.
A range of costs are supported:
- Core funding is available for organisations (not CICs) working exclusively with over-65s.
- Project funding is available for broader organisations with dedicated work for the age group.
Examples of activities that can be funded include (but are not limited to):
- Befriending services, including meal delivery for those living independently.
- Social groups (e.g. art classes, dance sessions, lunch clubs, coffee mornings).
- Community transport by connecting older people to local activities and services
How To Apply
The closing date for applications is 5pm (17:00) on 29 August 2025 for notification in early October.
The online submission form and guidance can be found on the Foundation’s website, including the list of areas of deprivation in Great Britain.
Contact the McCarthy Stone Foundation for further information.