Connecting Older People Fund

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to support projects that aim to improve the wellbeing of older people (aged 55+) in Norfolk.

For 2026 the Fund has the following two priorities:

1. Combatting Loneliness Faced by Older People

Providing opportunities for older adults to foster new connections.
Providing opportunities to support and maintain existing relationships.

Projects working in areas with a high risk of chronic loneliness e.g. areas with high levels of deprivation, a high proportion of minoritised communities or a high percentage of older adults living alone will be prioritised.

2. Combatting Poverty Faced by Older People

Tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Addressing a lack of quality housing.

Projects working in the most disadvantaged areas will be prioritised.

Is my project eligible?

Grants can support the operational costs of existing projects, as well as expanding proven delivery. Grants can also be used for pilot activities or to test out new ideas or partnerships. See more below about multi-year (2-years) and one year funding.

Applicants should meet NCF general eligibility criteria.

Types of activity the Fund can support may include:

Community transport
Lunch/ social clubs
Walking/ exercise groups
Volunteering
Projects/ activities to promote learning and skills
Intergenerational activities
Carer support
Digital skills

Exclusions

Applications purely for capital costs will not be considered
Applications requesting funding for one-off events will not be considered
Organisations that are already funded directly by a Mercers’ Company charity for work with older people are not eligible for this funding opportunity

Multi-year funding.

After successfully piloting multi-year funding last year. We are continuing this offer, for this 2026 round. The Fund is offering the option of multiyear funding for up to 2 years. That means you could apply for funding for more than one year (although it would have to be the same amount requested each year).

If you received a multiyear grant in 2025, you do not need to submit another application for this round. We will be in touch to check-in on the progress of project and sort the release of the Year 2 funding in September.

On the application form, we ask if you are interested in this option.

Not all applications will be best suited to a multiyear award. Those who would be recommended to apply for one-year funding include organisations:

That are newly established or new to NCF
That are very small
That are running projects that are time limited or involve less regularly activity (less than weekly)

Online Information Briefing

We will be holding an Online Information Briefing on Tuesday 1st of September 2pm-3pm. Come along to learn more or ask any questions about this new multiyear option!

You can sign up here

Call for Applications

Open

Maximum Grant

£10,000

Deadline

21 September 2026 – 12:00pm

Who can apply?

Charity, Faith organisation, Parish/Town Council, Social Enterprise/CIC, and Voluntary/Community Group

Eligible Area

Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, North Norfolk, Norwich, and South Norfolk

Find Out More & Apply

Click here to apply