Community Matters Fund

Our Community Matters Fund is now open!

This winter, National Grid’s Electricity Distribution business along with Localgiving are again partnering to deliver grants to charitable organisations working to address fuel poverty and ensure energy affordability in their communities. As the temperature begins to drop, costly energy prices and the high cost of living still create major challenges to communities across the nation.

Part of the Community Matters Fund, National Grid is offering £500k to support grassroots organisations that serve economically disadvantaged areas and target historically underrepresented and marginalised groups. We understand the need is often urgent, so the process to apply will be straightforward and funds will be distributed quickly.

This winter’s funding is part of National Grid’s ongoing commitment to energy affordability through a broad package of community support initiatives. These include year-round partnerships with trusted organisations via the ‘Power Up’ and ‘Affordable Warmth’ schemes to help tackle fuel poverty, targeted assistance delivered in collaboration with Kidney Care UK and the Fuel Bank Foundation, and increased access to warm, welcoming community spaces through the Warm Welcome campaign. Additional support is also available for vulnerable customers through the Priority Services Register.

Registered charities or non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for up to £5,000; constituted charitable organisations with no charity number can apply for up to £2,000.

Applications which achieve a long-term impact by helping beneficiaries save money on their household energy bills on an ongoing, sustainable basis are especially encouraged. We are very keen on the projects delivering a legacy of support, beyond just the initial funding.

Successful projects will need to meet one or more of the following themes: 

• Distributing warm packs or energy efficiency measures (i.e. warm blankets, radiator keys, insulated curtains, draught excluders) for home usage
• Visiting isolated households to help people make their homes warmer and more energy efficient
• Running a warm space in a community building
• Improving the energy efficiency of a community building used as a warm space
• Providing tariff switching, energy saving, winter fuel discount, or other fuel poverty advice

National Grid Electricity Distribution provides electricity to eight million customers across the Midlands, Southwest England, and South Wales. Funding is available for registered charities, charitable companies, and unregistered community organisations based in these locations who are supporting households experiencing fuel poverty. You can check if your organisation is eligible. 

Organisations that complete applications will be informed of the outcome of their application by late November, with funds distributed to successful applicants before December. Projects must be delivered, and funding spent by 31st March 2026.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 24th October 2025.