Winter Support Grant 2025-2026

Background

The city has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, including the unprecedented rises in the cost of living and doing business.

Nottingham has a mixed economy, with a young population. As the East Midlands’ only core city, Nottingham has key strengths in life sciences and the wider service sectors. Unemployment and economic inactivity are above the national average.

The cost of living has risen in recent years and has yet to significantly reduce. In particular, energy and accommodation prices continue to present a challenge for many residents and businesses.

Grant Amount

The Winter Support Grant is in two parts, the minimum grant available is £3,000 and the maximum grant available is £7,000.

Eligible Projects

The Winter Support Grant aims to support projects that deliver some, or all, of the following outputs and outcomes, over four months this winter (November and December 2025 and January and February 2026). The Grant is split into two parts, Part 1 and Part 2.

• Part 1
  • Output - Number of households receiving support that helps reduce the burden of the cost of living
• Part 2
  
  • Output - Number of households supported to take up energy efficiency measures

(Organisations can apply for either Part 1 or Part 2 or both together)

Projects We Are Looking to Fund

We are particularly interested in funding projects that:

• Are delivered by organisations with a proven track record of supporting local communities.
• Help households reduce or manage essential living costs, such as utilities, food, clothing, or school-related expenses.
• Support households experiencing economic inactivity or long-term unemployment, which increases the cost-of-living burden.
• Engage the most vulnerable members of our community, especially those facing exclusion or isolation due to age, gender, ethnicity, health, or sexuality.

Projects We Will Not Fund

We are not looking to fund projects that:

• Focus on providing free or low-cost recreational, leisure, social, cultural, creative, or entertainment activities**, including sports, trips, or excursions.

** Projects that include warm hubs may incorporate activities tailored to the needs and interests of their target group, as part of the overall warm hub offer.

General Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Winter Support Grant, your organisation must:

• Operate within, or deliver services in, the Nottingham City Council area.
• Be one of the following:
  • Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
  • Community Interest Company (CIC)
  • Company Limited by Guarantee
  • Social Enterprise
  • Registered Charity
  • Public body delivering or hosting community projects
  • Constituted community group
  • Private companies or businesses are not eligible
• Have been operational for at least 12 months.
• Have delivered similar community engagement activities in Nottingham City within the past 12 months.
• Have no outstanding debt with Nottingham City Council.

Application Process

If your organisation and project is eligible for support through the Winter Support Grant, you should send in your full Application form and Appendix B (see below, alongside Applicant Guidance Notes).

Alongside the Application Form you must submit evidence of your Public Liability (minimum £5million) and Food Hygiene Certificate (if applicable).

• Winter Support Grant Applicant Guidance 2025
• Winter Support Grant Application Form 2025
• Winter Support Grant - Appendix B FINAL

Timeframe

The Winter Support Grant will remain open to applications until 23:59 on Sunday 14th September 2025.

All projects funded through the grant must be fully completed and all grant funding spent by grant holders by Friday 13th March 2026.

Help and Support

If you would like to discuss the general eligibility of your proposal, prior to submitting an application, please contact the Nottingham City Council UKSPF Team at ukspf@nottinghamcity.gov.uk