Norfolk Household Support Fund

This fund is now closed.

The Norfolk Household Support Fund (funded through the Norfolk County Council Cost of Living Support Scheme) is returning to help with the rising costs of household utility bills. This round of funding can support any households who are particularly vulnerable to increasing energy costs. This funding is not means tested but the organisation will need to have an understanding of the applicant’s circumstances before applying.

The Household Support Fund has been created to provide a straightforward route for frontline Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to deliver vital and immediate financial support with utility bills.

This funding is to complement the existing support provided through your services, which should include signposting and provision of information to those who are particularly vulnerable to the increasing cost of living.

*Parish Council Applicants – please note, only Parish Councils with General Power of Competence are able to distribute funds to individuals.

Norfolk VCSE organisations can apply for grants with a maximum value of £50 per household, who have been identified as particularly vulnerable to the cost of living crisis, to help with the cost of household energy bills and other regular utility bills.

Household utility bills are defined as regular outgoing payments made to keep a household running. For more information on the fund please see our FAQs.

This funding has been made possible by Norfolk County Council working with the Department of Work & Pensions.

Making an application

VCSE organisations can typically apply for grant support for a maximum of 200 households in each application (equivalent value £10,000). If your charity wishes to support a higher number of households, please contact us for advice before applying.

You should also be in a position to act promptly to provide support to meet immediate needs once funding is awarded.

We will aim to review and process applications as quickly as possible.

Who can apply?

Funding will be available to VCSE organisations, including Parish/ Town Councils, taking an active role to respond to emerging needs in our communities over the coming months. Organisations applying are expected to already be connected to the people you aim to help through your other support services/ activities and have an understanding of their needs.

If you are a volunteer or informal (unconstituted) community group – such as a Good Neighbour Scheme – that is aware of people in your community who would benefit from this support, you may be able to connect with another local charity, or your local Parish Council, to enable them to receive help.

Please note, only Parish Councils with General Power of Competence are able to distribute funds to individuals. Further information and advice is available from the National Association of Local Councils.

In some cases, Voluntary Norfolk or Community Action Norfolk may be able to support your group to make an application, and/or receive a grant on your behalf if your group does not have a bank account. Please ensure you discuss your plans using the contact below, before applying.

Contact Community Action Norfolk and Voluntary Norfolk – clare.fiander@communityaction.org.uk

Exclusions

We cannot accept applications from individuals, businesses, public/ private health services, schools or other statutory body.

This Fund can only support household utility costs, this does not include food costs.

When to apply

Round 4 is open. Due to high demand in previous rounds of funding this fund will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and will close when all funds have been allocated.

Grants must be fully spent by 31st of March 2023 at the latest, but we encourage you to use this funding as soon as possible.

How to apply

Scroll down below and click ‘Apply Online’.

We understand you may be working with individuals and families whose needs exceed utilities support – the Norfolk Assistance Scheme may be able to help www.norfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health/support-for-living-independently/money-and-benefits/norfolk-assistance-scheme

The fastest route to access the Norfolk Assistance Scheme is online using the link above, or if applying online is not possible, call 01603 223392 (option 5).