United Way UK envisions a world where all individuals and families have the opportunity to thrive and live their dreams. We are committed to creating lasting change with measurable improvements for people in need in the UK’s local communities.
Every community has its own needs and aspirations, and its own resources and expertise. United Way UK works to bring these together, working in partnership with businesses and other charitable organisations to achieve positive change in local communities across the UK.
United Way UK will support organisations that provide programmes and services that align with our strategic priorities. These priorities are long-term solutions addressing one of the following needs:
- Education – including but not limited to early childhood development, school readiness and success, out of school learning opportunities, soft skills development
- Income stability – including but not limited to job training, access to employment, support to obtain employment, advancing financial literacy
- Health – including but not limited to mental health support, hunger prevention, access to housing
Give Local Grants: Thanks to the support from our partner Costco, we will be distributing 30 small grants of £1,500.
Applicants must meet programmatic eligibility requirements outlined in this request for proposals.
Eligibility: who can apply?- Individuals will not be considered for funding
- All applications should be made on behalf of an organisation.
- Organisations may apply for funds for core costs, to start a new programme, or for the expansion of an existing programme.
- Organisations with a charitable purpose, but who are not registered charities will be considered, but may be subject to additional checks.
- Organisations with an average annual income of £300,000 or less are eligible.
- Beneficiaries of the work must be positively impacted in one of these geographic areas.
- 1 grant will be given per location unless otherwise stated:
England: Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Chingford, Coventry, Croydon, Derby, Farnborough, Gateshead, Haydock, Hayes, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Oldham, Reading, Rugby, Sheffield, Stevenage, Southampton, Sunbury, Thurrock, Watford, Wembley
Scotland: Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh
Wales: Cardiff
In offering these Give Local grants, United Way UK seeks organisations that have the potential to be long-term partners in our work.
Applications will close on 24th September 2026.
Funds are expected to be transferred in October. All funds should be used and reported on by 2nd February 2027. A short report form will be sent to charities awarded the grant.
For guidance on completing your application - click here!
With Thanks to Costco:
These grants have been made possible thanks to the generosity of Costco warehouse employees. The geographic restrictions relate to the locations in which employees have been fundraising and donating. This is in association with United Way’s ‘Give Local’ campaign, encouraging people to give directly to support causes within their local community.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Any organisation in receipt of funding must agree to provide information and feedback on how the funding has impacted their project/programme and overall outcomes. This will include completing a brief reporting survey, alongside sending a a short video, due 2nd February 2027. This will be for United Way UK to use publicly, while always mentioning the source.
