Aims/Priorities: The funding is intended for a wide range of not-for-profit organisations in the UK for activities that improve people's ability to become more financially capable in their present and future circumstances.
MSE Charity defines financial capability as the ability to manage money well – both day-to-day and through significant life events, such as: having a baby; moving home; unexpected job loss; bereavement; major illness or injury. It gives people the confidence and knowledge to make the most of their money and improve their lives. This means addressing all the factors that influence people’s behaviour around money: skills and knowledge, attitudes towards money, motivation to take action, and accessibility to financial services.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from UK registered charities, community interest companies (CICs), credit union, not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee, and social enterprise companies.
To be eligible, applicants must be based in the UK, looking for funding for UK based activities, and have:
- A total annual income of between £10,000 and £600,000
- Hold between one and six months running costs in free reserves
- Been established and active for at least 18 months.
- Unrestricted reserves that are less than six months of their running costs.
- A governing document (a constitution, rules, or articles of association)
- A governing body of at least three unconnected individuals
- A bank account in the group’s name with at least two unconnected signatories required to authorise payments.
- An Equal Opportunities Policy
- A Child Protection Policy or Vulnerable Adults Policy, as appropriate.
Community interest companies and social enterprise organisations must have a governing document which shows the name, aim/purpose, objects of the group, including a dissolution clause - what happens if the group ceases to function. This clause should show that they are a not-for-profit group by confirming that any assets remaining after all debts are paid will be given to another voluntary group with similar aims. This document should also include details of their Trustees or management committee.
Grant Amount: Grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 are available.
It is anticipated that between six to nine projects will receive funding each grant round.
The MSE Charity will consider full project cost recovery, but costs must only relate to the project itself and not the organisation's core funding.
Application Process: There will be two grant rounds in 2026.
Stage 1 Outline Proposals will be accepted during a one-week window:
- Winter Round: opens 19 January 2026
The application process is as follows:
- Pre-Application - Grant Eligibility Quiz - a self assessment tool to determine if the organisation and project meet MSE Charity’s general grant criteria. If successful, applicants will be able to then access the Stage 1 form.
- Stage 1 - Outline Proposal - a brief application that enables applicants to tell about their organisation and the activities they would like funded. This should provide sufficient detail for the Grants Advisory Panel (GAP) to assess if it would be suitable for The MSE Charity to consider funding.
- Stage 2 - Full Application - invited short-listed applicants are sent a link to complete a full application form with approximately one month to complete. This will require more detailed information to be provided about their organisation; evidence of need, the project activities; the team's experience; the outcomes they are hoping to achieve; a detailed project budget; and submission of supporting documents including their Accounts and a recent bank statement.
All relevant documents are available on the MSE Charity website.
Applications are only accepted electronically and only within the grant round dates.
Due to the level of demand, applicants must wait 12 months to re-apply.
Contact MSE Charity for further information.
Deadline: Monday 26 January 2026.
Contact Information: info@msecharity.com
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