Our programmes
Four funds, each with published criteria, grant limits and decision times. All are open in the US and the UK.
Safe Homes
Nobody should live with a leaking roof, a broken heating system, or a home they cannot safely move around in.
Safe Homes funds essential repairs, accessibility adaptations and basic energy-efficiency measures for low-income owner-occupiers and tenants whose landlord will not act.
- Emergency repairs: heating, hot water, electrics, roofing, damp
- Accessibility: ramps, grab rails, stairlifts, wet rooms
- Energy: insulation, draught-proofing, efficient appliances
- Materials, tools and volunteer trades days from our founding partner, The Home Depot
| Typical award | Up to $4,000 / £3,000 (higher by exception) |
|---|---|
| Paid to | Approved contractor or supplier directly |
| Decision time | 15 working days; 3 for emergencies |
Hardship Fund
One-off grants for people facing an urgent financial crisis they cannot meet from their own resources. Core-funded by the New York Jets.
We prioritise cases where a small amount of money prevents a much larger harm: eviction, disconnection, a child missing school.
- Utility arrears and prepayment top-ups
- Rent or mortgage arrears to prevent eviction
- School uniform, travel and equipment
- White goods, beds and essential furniture
- Funeral costs and bereavement support
| Typical award | $200 to $1,500 / £150 to £1,000 |
|---|---|
| Paid to | Supplier, utility or landlord where possible; otherwise the applicant |
| Decision time | 10 working days |
Pathways to Work & Study
The cost of starting is often what stops people.
Pathways covers the practical expenses of taking up a job, apprenticeship, training course or college place, so that money is never the reason someone turns down an opportunity.
- Laptops, tablets and broadband for study or remote work
- Tools, PPE, uniforms and licences for trades
- Travel passes for the first three months of a new role
- Course fees, exam fees and childcare during training
- Laptops, broadband and digital-skills mentoring with our founding partner, Mailchimp
| Typical award | Up to $2,000 / £1,500 |
|---|---|
| Paid to | Supplier or training provider directly |
| Decision time | 15 working days |
First Down
Talent is everywhere. The money for boots, fees and a bus to practice is not.
First Down covers the costs that keep young people from underprivileged backgrounds out of organised sport, and opens doors into the game through our founder, the New York Jets: youth flag football clinics, community days and mentoring from club staff.
- Club, league and registration fees for a full season
- Boots, kit and protective equipment
- Travel to training, games and trials
- Coaching, refereeing and first-aid qualifications for 16 to 18 year olds
- Places at New York Jets youth clinics and community days
| Typical award | Up to $1,000 / £750 per young person per year |
|---|---|
| Paid to | Club, league or supplier directly |
| Decision time | 15 working days |
Exclusions
Being clear about what we cannot fund saves everyone time.
- Debts to family, friends or unregulated lenders
- Business start-up or trading costs
- Legal fees, fines or court costs
- Costs already paid
- Ongoing living costs beyond a one-off crisis
- Cosmetic home improvements
- Costs covered by statutory bodies or insurance
- Anything that would breach our safeguarding policy
How decisions are made
Eligibility check
A caseworker confirms residency, income and need against published criteria within 3 working days.
Assessment
Evidence is reviewed. For home repairs, a partner surveyor or contractor scopes the work. For First Down, the club or school confirms the place.
Decision
Awards under the caseworker threshold are approved by two staff. Larger awards go to the Grants Committee.
Payment & follow-up
Payment is made, usually to the supplier. We check in after three months and record outcomes.
The full grant-making policy, appeals process and equality monitoring approach are available on request via the contact page.
Think you might be eligible?
The eligibility checker takes two minutes and applying is free.