COSARAF is offering grants of up to £2,000 to organisations that support families and individuals from across the UK who are in financial need and struggling with everyday costs such as basic expenses, utilities, or rent arrears.
The Hardship Grants Programme supports recognised third-party social organisations, such as charities, housing associations, schools and social services, which are acting on behalf of a family or individual in need, with priority being given to:
- The most financially excluded people.
- Families over individuals.
- Those with caring responsibilities.
- Items that will make the most difference to the individual/family’s long-term future.
Applications are assessed every six weeks, and groups can expect to receive a response within eight weeks of their application.
For more information visit COSARAF.
Note: The Hardship Fund offers grants to those living in the UK only. Grants of up to £2,000 are available for eligible individuals and families, but only in exceptional circumstances will individual grants exceed £500.
The Foundation distributes both Zakat and Sadaqah funds; please read our Zakat Distribution Policy for more information. Sadaqah funds are available for all people of all faiths and none. Zakat funds are only available for Muslim applicants.
What we fund
Other than in exceptional cases, Hardship Grants will only be made available for:
- Household items (white goods and occasionally other items i.e. sofas, wardrobes etc.)
- Basic Living Expenses (Utilities or food)
- Work- or education-related expenses (interview clothes, school uniforms, laptops)
- Rent arrears and Council tax arrears, but only where there is a clear and obvious risk of homelessness (for rent arrears involving a social landlord please outline what support has already been offered to your tenant)
- Contribution to immigration-related costs, where the current immigration status directly causes financial hardship to the applicant
What we do NOT fund:
- Higher education tuition fees or maintenance during study
- Private school fees for primary or secondary education
- Repayments of credit card debts
- Pet care
- Water bill arrears
- Flooring or carpets
- Non-essential items (such as TV licences or TVs)
- Applicants who are already on an IVA or debt management solution
- Unspecified costs
If you have already received a grant from us we will be unable to give you another grant. Applications are assessed every six weeks and you can expect a response within eight weeks of your application.