Aims/priorities: The fund is specifically targeted at enabling not-for-profit organisations to implement innovative solutions that improve accessibility, efficiency, and overall effectiveness in the delivery of debt advice, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The key objectives of this fund are to:
- Enhance Service Delivery and Accessibility - to improve both internal service delivery processes and the accessibility of debt advice services. This includes implementing new tools, technologies, and processes that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of advisers, while making services more accessible to clients, particularly those from vulnerable or underserved populations. This objective supports the adoption of digital platforms, remote services, case management tools, and physical accessibility improvements, ensuring that debt advice services are more efficient, scalable, and inclusive.
- Drive Sustainable Change - to support lasting improvements in service delivery that extend beyond the funding period. This objective aims to ensure that the modernisation efforts lead to long-term, sustainable change in the sector, helping organisations build the capacity and systems needed to continue delivering high-quality debt advice beyond the immediate impact of the grant.
- Foster Innovation - to encourage and fund innovative approaches to debt advice that address emerging challenges and evolving client needs. This includes promoting the adoption of new technologies, creative service delivery models, and forward-thinking strategies that enable organisations to stay adaptable and responsive to future demands in the debt advice sector.
Who can apply? Registered not-for-profits organisations, such as charities or community interest companies (CICs) can apply.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide debt counselling and adjusting services.
- Have an annual turnover of less than:
- Lot 1: £2 million (verified by Charity Commission annual accounts).
- Lot 2: £10 million (verified by Charity Commission annual accounts).
- Not submit a proposal that is already being funded by another source to avoid duplication of funding.
- Directly provide free debt advice to clients.
- Demonstrate sound financial status.
- Meet the 31 March 2026 project completion and expenditure deadline.
- Ensure proposals include a modernisation or innovative element, and not solely focus on ongoing operational costs.
- Be located in and provide free debt advice services in England only.
- Comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
- Hold adequate insurance coverage to operate.
Applications are welcomed from both individual organisations and consortiums, with eligibility determined by the lead organisation. Financial due diligence will be conducted on all partners in consortium bids.
Grant amount: Funding available for 2025/26:
- Lot 1: Grants of between £15,000 and £50,000.
- Lot 2: Grants of between £25,000 and £100,000.
Funding to start from 1 August 2025 with projects completed by 31 March 2026.
Grant payments will be issued in arrears based on milestones.
Application process: Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by mid-July 2025. The timeframe for assessment and award is indicative and subject to change, as it is dependent on the volume of applications received.
Only one application will be accepted per organisation.
Full details, including the online application form, can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted for four weeks: from Monday 19 May 2025 to Friday 13 June 2025 (12 noon).
Contact information: Email: contact@maps.org.uk
Website: Debt Advice Modernisation Fund 2025/2026 - GOV-UK Find a grant