Surviving Winter 25/26

Surviving Winter is Suffolk Community Foundation’s annual appeal to support vulnerable people through the coldest months of the year. For 15 years, it has raised vital funds to help older and disadvantaged people stay warm, well and connected. In 2025/26, we are inviting local charities and community groups to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to deliver practical projects – from warm spaces and community meals to fuel support and winter wellbeing packs. By working with organisations rooted in their communities, the appeal ensures that donations reach those most in need quickly and effectively, making a real difference to lives across Suffolk.

Who can apply

• Charities, community groups, social enterprises, and faith groups (delivering inclusive, non-religious activities) working in Suffolk.
• Organisations with strong local connections, knowledge of need, and capacity to deliver support quickly and effectively.
• Groups supporting older people – aged 60+ during the winter months.

What we will fund

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for initiatives that help vulnerable older people (aged 60+) stay warm, safe, fed, and connected this winter. Projects should focus on essential needs (e.g. heating, food, access to services) rather than non-essential activities (e.g. leisure trips).

Examples include:

• Setting up or running a community warm space
• Lunch clubs or community meals
• Providing warm clothing packs
• Winter health and wellbeing packs- including blankets and bedding, hot water bottles, electric blankets
• Stocking or distributing through food banks
• Providing £175 per household with fuel or food vouchers or making direct energy payments
• Offering winter-focused advice (e.g., debt, energy efficiency)

What we cannot fund

• Activities not related to winter hardship.
• Costs incurred before the grant is awarded.
• Organisations without appropriate safeguarding or governance in place.

Grant size and duration

• Grants up to £5,000.
• Projects should deliver support during winter 2025/26 and completed by May 2026.

Reporting

• A short end-of-grant report showing how funds were used and the difference made including case studies will be required.