There are a wide range of local and national organisations that can offer support to families experiencing financial difficulties. Some of these organisations can be contacted directly by families, while others may require a referral from a professional who is currently working with you, such as a social worker, health visitor, or school.
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Local organisations
- will consider one off donations to organisations and small grants for domestic items to individual families in proven need within the Borough of Guildford.
- can give small grants to projects and groups working within the diocese.
- can give grants to individuals and families who live in the borough and are experiencing financial difficulties. Most grants are in response to cases referred by an official agency such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, community health or social services.
- The Cranleigh Community Fund offers financial support to Cranleigh Parish residents who need assistance. The fund regularly helps with the purchase of household goods, the funding of nursery places and of training courses. However, a wide range of requests will also be considered. If you would like to apply for support, please do so by emailing: cranleighcommunityfund@gmail.com
- can offer grants to individuals in financial hardship in the GU15 and GU16 areas. The grants can be used for essentials such as carpets, white goods and furniture. They can also help with heating, rent arrears and other debt.
National organisations
- makes donations to specific child cases of sickness, specialised medical requirements, abuse, traumatic needs and dying wishes.
- can provide small one off grants to help the beneficiary over a short term crisis. They will only accept applications from an agency such as health care, social care, Citizens Advice Bureau, prison or probation service and tenancy support workers.
- can make both welfare grants, meeting a range of essential needs and educational grants, for the additional costs associated with education such as travel, books and equipment. Grants are primarily targeted at families and individuals with low incomes, particularly those living on benefits.
- is open to families with children and young people aged 17 and under who have a severe disability or serious illness. The family must have permanent legal residency in the UK and have lived there for six months.
- can provide financial assistance towards holidays for those families in real need. The family must be referred by someone who knows them in a professional capacity such as a social worker, doctor, teacher or support worker.
- helps disadvantaged and special needs children. They offer funds to help provide specially designed toys, play and special equipment such as buggies or financial assistance towards fun days out, holidays and respite breaks for both parents and children.
- offers financial support to anyone who is serving or has ever served in the Forces and their families.
- can provide financial assistance for lifestyle aids to those who are ill, convalescent or disabled. All enquiries and requests must come via a doctor, social worker, occupational therapist or other charities.
- is a last stop agency providing direct care. Grants are only given when all other avenues of funding are exhausted. Grants are rarely made directly to the applicant but through their representative such as a social worker, probation officer, community care worker, GP or agency worker.
- accept applications for grants towards furnishings and equipment (excluding office items), building or refurbishment projects from charitable organisations who assist disadvantaged youths, people with disabilities and older people. Social Workers, community psychiatric nurses and occupational therapists may apply on the behalf of individuals in financial need who have a disability or severe mental health problem, or who are over 65, for grants to purchase basic household furniture, equipment and clothing costs.
- is not a grant giving charity but if it is within the members' means (through local fundraising or donations) they may be able to offer some financial assistance.
- operate a number of small trusts for the benefit of scholars, the blind, deaf, clergy widows, spinsters of the Church of England, ex-servicemen and their widows and those who served in the merchant services.
- is a crowd funding charity helping children and young people with a disability or illness by supporting their families to raise funds for specialist care and equipment.
Further suggestions of support
- The ßÙßÇÂþ» Crisis Fund, is a fund that can provide support for immediate needs after an emergency, where no other options are available.
- The Household support fund is funding allocated via the Department of Work and Pensions to help families who are struggling financially in ßÙßÇÂþ» for food, fuel, water and other essentials.
- The Family Finance section of our website has detailed information on the financial support available to families. On it you'll find guidance on what help is available with childcare costs and the financial assistance for parents and carers.
You may also find further details of organisations offering financial help in our Family Information Directory.