CAF launches new fund for small charities focused on social equity

9 November 2022

As many small charities face challenges this winter, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has today launched a new £3m fund for small charities working to improve social equity in their communities. 

The Keystone Fund will award unrestricted grants towards the core costs of running a charity, strengthening capacity, or building resilience. Many smaller charities across the UK are under heavy strain against the backdrop of increased demand for services, rising running costs and reduced income.  

Local charities across the UK are encouraged to apply for the new fund if they are addressing social injustice or working towards social equity to create a fairer society. Half of the available funds will be focused on organisations supporting refugees in the UK.

Around 120 charities will receive grants between £5,000 and £50,000, with an average grant of £25,000. CAF will also provide resilience building tools and information to put organisations into a stronger position for future work.

Neil Heslop OBE, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: 

“The current cost-of-living crisis shows how small charities provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our communities across the UK. But at the same time, their ability to respond is threatened due to their own rising costs and depleted reserves following the pandemic. 

“The Keystone Fund focuses on local organisations working towards social equity to build a fairer society for all. We know that charities are best placed to decide how to deploy funds, and many will need to focus on their core costs at this challenging time. We hope these new unrestricted grants will help strengthen small charities as keystones in their communities and continue to help those who need it most.”

The deadline for charities to express their interest for the first round is 23 November 2022.