Older People’s Fund: Round 3
Independent Age is pleased to launch Round 3 of the Older People’s Fund, with £1.5 million available in funding.
The Older People’s Fund supports older people who are at greater risk of financial hardship. This round will focus on funding projects to support carers aged 65 and over who are experiencing financial hardship.
Supporting older carers
Through this fund, we want to improve access to community-based and in-person advice and support for older carers, which can make a significant difference to people’s financial wellbeing.
We are interested in funding organisations that understand the financial challenges that caring can bring for older carers, including reduced income, increased costs, housing issues and barriers to support. Funding can support both older carers and the older people they care for, recognising the impact of caring across whole households.
How much can I apply for?
Grants are for a three-year period and eligible organisations can apply for:
- up to £150,000 (£50,000 per year) for individual applications
- or a shared total of up to £210,000 (£70,000 per year) if applying in partnership.
Where is funding available?
Applicants must be registered charities with a minimum annual income of at least £100,000. They must be able to deliver in-person advice provision and support to older carers in financial hardship in the following areas:
- Edinburgh
- Birmingham
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Dorset
- Cornwall
- Leeds
For the purposes of this grant, these areas are defined as those covered by their respective Local Authority or council areas.
For the full eligibility criteria and funding information, please download the guidance document and FAQ.
How to apply
Applications will be in two stages.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Opens on Tuesday 4 August 2026
- Closes at 2pm on Wednesday 26 August 2026.
We’ll let applicants know the outcome of their EOI by 4 September 2026.
Before applying, please ensure you read our application guidance and frequently asked questions document.
To check your eligibility and submit your EOI, please follow this link: independentage.tfaforms.net/f/olderpeoplesfund2026
Stage 2: Full application
If successful at EOI stage, applicants will have until 30 September 2026 to submit a full application.
We’ll let applicants know the outcome of the full application by end of December 2026, with funding available from 1 February 2027. Funded projects should begin no later than 1 April 2027.
Do you have questions?
If you would like to find out about future funding opportunities, please sign up to our mailing list.
For all other queries, please contact the Grants Team by emailing grants@independentage.org.
Previous rounds of this Fund
This is our third round of funding for the Older People’s Fund. The projects from Rounds 1 and 2 are all currently in active funding with Independent Age.