Applications are open for Round 3 of the Older People’s Fund 2026, launched by Independent Age to support charities delivering advice and support to older carers aged 65 and over who are experiencing financial hardship.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 26th August 2026.
The fund focuses on improving access to community-based and in-person advice and support for older carers while addressing financial challenges linked to caring, including reduced income, increased costs and housing issues. Projects should contribute to improved financial wellbeing through support related to income, costs and housing, including benefits and entitlements, household costs, housing advice, repairs, adaptations, homelessness prevention and other practical support. The fund also supports outreach, advocacy, volunteer and community-based activities, staff and volunteer training, and strengthening referral pathways, with an emphasis on reaching hidden carers and recognising the wider impact of caring across households.
Funding of up to £150,000 is available for individual organisations over three years, while partnerships of two or more eligible organisations may apply for up to £210,000 over the same period. Funding may be used for delivery costs, a proportionate contribution to core costs, supervision, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration, learning and engagement. Funded work will begin from 1 February 2027 or within two months of that date and must start no later than 1 April 2027.
Applicants must be registered charities with the Charity Commission or OSCR, have a minimum annual income of £100,000, at least three unrelated trustees, a named bank account with two unrelated signatories, at least three years of operation with two sets of filed accounts, and appropriate safeguarding, equity, diversity and inclusion, and conflict of interest policies. Organisations must demonstrate strong local connections, experience in delivering advice and support services, and the ability to provide in-person advice to older carers in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Cornwall or Leeds. Partnership applications are permitted, provided all partners meet the eligibility requirements. Unincorporated associations, statutory organisations, private individuals, organisations currently funded by Independent Age, capital projects, retrospective funding and direct grants to individuals are not eligible.
Applications will be assessed in two stages, beginning with an Expression of Interest followed by a full application for shortlisted organisations. Each application will undergo merit assessment and due diligence before recommendations are reviewed by a grants panel and approved by the Board of Trustees. Approximately 20 organisations will be invited to submit full applications, with around 10 projects expected to receive funding. Successful organisations will be responsible for meeting monitoring and reporting requirements, and where applicable, completing required training related to supporting older people facing financial hardship.
For further information, including details about how to apply, please visit the Independent Age website.
