The Bernicia Foundation is a charity that supports projects and initiatives that deliver real and lasting community benefit and helps inspirational young people to fulfil their potential. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Bernicia Homes, a major Housing Association in North-East England that provides homes, support and community services. The Housing Association is named after the historic Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Bernicia that once covered the region.
The Bernicia Foundation’s Inspiration Grant is normally awarded to inspirational young people aged 24 or under. Young people applying to the scheme should demonstrate real potential, with a talent for anything from sporting skills, academia, performing arts to creative flair. Grants of up to £1,000 per individual are available. Awards can occasionally exceed £1,000 where an exceptional case for grant support can be made. The grant does not support personal business ventures or general welfare assistance.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday 31st December 2025. Please note that grants are only awarded to individuals; organisations should apply for an Inclusion Grant.
Applicants should be made by Bernicia tenants and those living in areas where Bernicia has a significant local presence (please refer to Bernicia’s operating area). The areas include:
o County Durham.
o Darlington.
o Gateshead.
o Hartlepool.
o Northumberland.
o Middlesborough.
o Newcastle.
o North Tyneside.
o Redcar.
o South Tyneside.
o Stockton-on-Tees, and
o Sunderland.
Once an application is submitted online, it receives a reference number and a copy is shared with the applicant. The Foundation reviews all applications and may contact applicants for further discussion before its trustees make a final decision on funding.
Applicants are typically notified of the outcome within 10 weeks of the application closing date. Successful applicants must provide an end-of-grant monitoring report detailing the impact of the funding, progress against objectives, and a short evaluation.
For further information, please visit the Bernicia Foundation website.
