Applying for a grant as an individual

to relieve financial hardship

These grants can offer a swift response to a situation where people cannot meet every-day financial needs.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications directly from individuals. These grants are made to individuals following a referral from a local agency.

Before you contact one of the agencies listed below, these questions may help you decide if you are eligible to apply

Are you eligible?

You may qualify for help if you live in the catchment area and any of these apply to you:

• You are on a low wage
• You receive state benefits
• You receive help with your rent or council tax
• You live on a state pension or similar

What can you apply for?

The sorts of things that you can apply for include:

• Support with utility bills, such as gas, water or electricity
• Essential household items like carpets, fridge or cooker
• Furniture
• School trips or school uniform
• Food vouchers

Please note that The Barnes Fund can not provide grants for those things that the state will provide

How much can you apply for?

• The Fund’s policy is to award up to a maximum of £500 in any one year to an individual. This may be in one or more grants.
• Cumulative grants over three years can be awarded up to a maximum of £1,500.
• In some circumstances the maximum figure of £500 may be exceeded: for example for carpets. These grants are made at the Trustees’ discretion.

How do you apply via a referral agency?

Below is a list of some of the agencies who can help you, with a link to their website. All of these referees are familiar with our application process. They are here to help you apply, so that we can support you as swiftly as possible.

• Age UK (supports older people)  ageuk.org.uk/richmonduponthames/
• Richmond Aid (supports disabled people including those with mental health issues) – richmondaid.org.uk/contact-us/
• Citizens Advice Richmond (supports people in financial distress) – citizensadvicerichmond.org/get-advice/
• Barnes Children’s Centre (support families with children)  kr.afcinfo.org.uk/organisations/25901-barnes-children-s-centre
• Other referral agencies include the following:
  • a health visitor
  • a social worker
  • a local church
  • your housing provider (Richmond Housing Partnership, PA Housing)
  • your child’s school
  • another charity based in Richmond borough

Successful Applications

When you submit the application form, you will receive an email confirming that the form has been received, along with a copy of the completed form.

Grants are normally dealt with within two to five days of receipt, provided the form is completed correctly.

Funding is normally paid directly to the supplier of the goods or services being provided. It is very unusual for payment to be made directly to the Individual themselves. However if you have compelling reason for this to be the case, please tell us in the application process.

The Fund has a complaints procedure regarding the treatment of any application.