CFAs: Community Matters Fund – Energy Affordability Grants (United Kingdom)

The Community Matters Fund (Energy Affordability) 2026 offers grants of up to £5,000 (or £2,000 for certain constituted charitable organisations) to help communities tackle fuel poverty and improve energy affordability. The programme is delivered by National Grid Electricity Distribution in partnership with Localgiving, and applications close at 5pm on Friday 16 October 2026. The total funding pot is £500,000, supporting grassroots organisations working in targeted areas. The Community Matters Fund (Energy Affordability) 2026 supports charitable organisations delivering practical, community-based actions to address fuel poverty and improve energy affordability. It is intended to focus on economically disadvantaged areas and to target historically under-represented and marginalised groups. The fund encourages projects that can create long-term impact, particularly by helping people save money on household energy bills in an ongoing and sustainable way. The application process is described as straightforward, and funds are expected to be distributed quickly after decisions. This opportunity provides grants from a £500,000 total funding pot. Note: The source does not specify whether there is a minimum grant size, co-funding requirements, or specific cost restrictions beyond the themes listed below. Eligible applicants must be based in (or meet the location requirement for) the following regions served by National Grid Electricity Distribution: Midlands, Southwest England, and South Wales. The source states that funding is available for:

Grant-size eligibility by applicant type:

Not specified in the source: Any additional eligibility criteria (e.g., minimum operating history, specific governance requirements, or exclusions beyond the categories above). Applicants should consult the official guidance document for full details. The fund supports projects that align with one or more of the following themes: Fuel poverty and energy affordability pressures are described as worsening during colder months, increasing demand for support around energy efficiency, affordability, and keeping warm. This fund focuses on community-level interventions designed to help households reduce energy costs and improve home warmth, while also supporting local organisations working in economically disadvantaged areas. The source directs applicants to check eligibility using the official eligibility tool and guidance material. The official “start your application” link is referenced but not fully included in the supplied text. If you are an existing Localgiving member, the source states you should: The source says further information about the process, including important eligibility information and FAQs, is provided in a Guidance Document. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 16 October 2026 (time zone not specified in the source). Official guidance and application entry point:

1. What is the Community Matters Fund (Energy Affordability) 2026?

It is a grants programme delivered by National Grid Electricity Distribution in partnership with Localgiving, providing support to charitable organisations tackling fuel poverty and improving energy affordability.

2. How much funding is available, and what is the maximum grant amount?

The total funding pot is £500,000. Applicants may apply for up to £5,000 (registered charities or non-profit companies limited by guarantee) or up to £2,000 (constituted charitable organisations with no charity number).

3. Which areas are eligible for funding?

The source indicates funding for organisations based in the Midlands, Southwest England, and South Wales.

4. When is the application deadline?

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 16 October 2026. The time zone is not specified in the source.

5. What kinds of activities does the fund support?

Supported activities include distributing warm packs and energy efficiency measures, visiting isolated households, running warm spaces in community buildings, improving the energy efficiency of those buildings, and providing fuel poverty advice such as tariff switching and energy saving.

6. How long do projects have to deliver and spend funds?

Projects must be delivered and funding spent by 31 March 2027.

7. What if I’m a Localgiving member—how do I access the application form?

The source advises logging into your account, using “Find Grants”, and selecting the “Localgiving Grants” tab to find the application form. If you operate in the Midlands, Southwest England, and South Wales, and your organisation fits the applicant categories described above, review the official Guidance Document and eligibility checks before you submit. Then prepare an application that clearly links your project to the listed energy affordability and fuel poverty themes, and confirms you can deliver by 31 March 2027.