Aims/priorities: A small number of grants are available for UK homelessness organisations to become safer and more inclusive for LGBT+ young people. These are long-term development grants to generalist UK homelessness organisations to embed safe, culturally competent and affirming practice for LGBT+ young people. (Generalist is defined here as 'services that are not exclusively specialist LGBT+ provision but support a broader group of young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness'.)
The key aims of the Fund are to:
- Help homelessness organisations become safer and more inclusive for LGBT+ young people.
- Ensure LGBT+ young people have safer, more respectful and more consistent experiences when they seek help from homelessness services.
- Strengthen links with specialist LGBT+ organisations to improve support, advocacy and learning across the sector.
Who can apply: Applications will be accepted from charitable organisations registered in and working in the UK, including:
- Registered charities and Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs).
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) that are not-for-profit with an asset lock.
- Other not for profit charitable organisations delivering work aligned with the Foundation's objectives
Applicants must:
- Have a year's worth of accounts that have been audited or independently examined
- Have annual income between £250,000 and £3 million in their most recent published accounts
- Be based in and deliver services in the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales).
Organisations need to:
- Deliver generalist homelessness support (for example, housing advice, hostels, supported accommodation, outreach or prevention services).
- Have a demonstrable track record of working with young people, primarily between the ages of 16 years and 25 years, though age ranges may vary slightly depending on service model.
- Demonstrate a commitment to embedding inclusive practice throughout.
- Show an understanding of why LGBT+ young people are at heightened risk within homelessness systems.
- Meaningfully involve people with lived experience and youth voice in shaping services and making decisions.
Of the eight organisations to be funded, it is anticipated that one or two grants will be awarded to an organisation(s) already demonstrating strong or exemplary practice in supporting LGBT+ young people facing or experiencing homelessness.
The funding is restricted to improving the experience of LGBT+ young people but can support the infrastructure that helps the organisation deliver strong, sustainable work. This might include core costs, including rent, utilities, and staff salaries, as well as costs associated with staff wellbeing.
Grant amount: It is anticipated that eight grants of £50,000 per year for four years (a total of £200,000 per organisation) will be awarded.
Application process: The application process is as follows:
- The first step is to submit an Expressions of Interest by the deadline of 3 June 2026 via the Henry Smith website.
- Successful applicants will be invited the week of 22 June to submit a full application by the deadline of 24 July 2026.
- The Foundation will have a phone conversation with applicants in late-July – mid-August 2026.
- Decisions on grants are expected in mid September 2026.
Deadline: 3 June 2026
Contact info: buildingindependence@henrysmith.foundation
Website: Proud Homes - Henry Smith