Aims/priorities: The fund is intended to support projects that improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of men and boys aged 16 and over, with a particular focus on those living in disadvantaged communities or experiencing the poorest health outcomes.
Its objectives include reaching men who are underserved or disengaged from traditional services, delivering support in trusted community settings, addressing the wider social determinants of health such as housing, employment and debt, and building a stronger evidence base around what works in improving men's health. In addition, it emphasises prevention and early intervention and provides support during key life transitions, such as becoming a father, experiencing job loss, or entering retirement.
This funding opportunity consists of the following three funds which have different levels of grants and different application windows:
- DHSC funding envelope (up to £3 million) supports programmes for two groups:
- Men aged 35–59 who are unemployed, economically inactive or facing economic precarity.
- Older men (60+) experiencing key life transitions (eg, retirement, bereavement, relationship breakdown, caring responsibilities etc.).
- Movember funding envelope (£3 million) supports programmes for young men aged 16–35, with a focus on community-based approaches that strengthen social connection and encourage men to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing – seeking help when needed.
- People's Health Trust funding envelope (£300,000+) supports programmes for men working in industry. Applications to open later in 2026.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from community voluntary sector organisations (VCSEs) in England that are already doing meaningful work with men and who want to strengthen, develop and share learning about what makes that work effective.
Eligible organisations must be one of the following:
- Incorporated organisations
- Charity registered in England, Scotland or Wales
- Charitable incorporated organisation (CIOs)
- Company limited by guarantee
- Community interest company (CICs) limited by guarantee (not shares)
- Charitable community benefit society
- Community benefit society with a charitable asset lock and clearly defined members
- Unincorporated Organisations / Constituted Community Organisation
- A constituted group, voluntary organisation, or association with a social or charitable purpose.
All eligible organisations must have a minimum of three trustees, directors, or management committee members who are not related to each other, all aged over 18. Where this requirement is not met at the time of application, it must be satisfied within three months of any grant offer and before any funds are released.
The funders are particularly looking for organisations with strong community trust, lived-experience-informed approaches and existing reach into communities of men and boys who may not see services as relevant, trusted or accessible, or who are at an early stage of recognising their own health needs.
This opportunity would be particularly relevant for organisations that:
- Have established trusted relationships and meaningful connections with specific communities of men and are embedded within those communities.
- Have specific expertise in designing and delivering work for men, rather than general community provision.
- Use insight, evidence, practitioner knowledge and lived experience to shape and improve their work, including learning from previous delivery and engagement with the communities they serve.
- Have a strong understanding of the wider inequalities affecting men's health and wellbeing, including the role of poverty, exclusion, discrimination and gender norms in shaping health outcomes.
- Are open to learning, collaboration and reflective practice, including working alongside researchers, evaluators and peer organisations to strengthen understanding of what works and why in the sector.
Illustrative examples include prevention-focused work in community-based, non-clinical settings such as peer-led groups, sports or gaming initiatives, creative arts or nature-based initiatives, or faith-based peer support groups. These examples are not exhaustive.
Grant amount: Around £6.3 million will be made available:
- DHSC is committing up to £3 million with grants of between £75,000 and £125,000 each. Earliest project start date: January 2027.
- Movember is committing £3 million to support up to 15 grants (between £150,000 and £300,000 each) of up to three years. Earliest project start date: January 2027.
- People's Health Trust is committing £300,000, with fundraising planned to increase to up to £1.25 million
Application process: Funding rounds will open at different times across the partners:
- Applications for the DHSC funding is via the Gov.UK 'Find a Grant' website.
- There is a two-stage application process. Expressions of Interest are accepted from 22 June 2026 to 15 July 2026 (17:00).
- Applications for Movember funding must be submitted directly via the Movember website.
- There is a two-stage application process. Expressions of Interest are accepted from 22 June 2026 to 15 July 2026 (17:00).
- Applications for the People's Health Trust funding will launch separately later in the year, with its own application process.
Full details with criteria and online Expressions of Interest can be found on the Gov.UK 'Find a Grant' website and the Movember website.
Organisations must apply to one funding stream only; applications spanning multiple streams will not be considered.
Deadline: Wednesday 15 July 2026, (17:00).
Contact information: For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following: