Apply for a Grant

Before you proceed with an application, we recommend you read this page carefully. If you decide to go ahead, make sure you answer all the questions as fully as you can. If you don't complete all the information required we are likely to turn down your application.

Is Spark the right place for you?
Before you apply for one of our grants, first consider whether Spark Foundation is the best charity for you to approach. We have limited funds and other charities are often better placed to help you. For example

• There are a number of charities locally throughout England and Wales which offer support in purchasing a bicycle or offer reconditioned bicycles. The Bike Project offers reconditioned bicycles to refugees and people seeking asylum in London and Birmingham.
• The charity Music for All gives both physical instruments and grants for instruments and if music is your passion this might be the best route for you to go.
• When you leave care, your local council might offer you some help with learning to drive. The level of support depends on where you live: some councils will pay for lessons; others will help with the cost of a provisional licence.

Are you eligible to apply?
Second, check your eligibility to apply for a Spark Foundation grant. You can apply if you are under the age of 26 and are either in care, or are a care leaver with "Relevant" or "Former Relevant" care leaver status. If you have received a Setting Up Home Allowance in the last two years then we will not provide additional funding for household items. If you received and spent the leaving care grant more than two years ago then we may be able to help you.

Is the thing you want something we might give a grant for?
Third, check if the item you want is something we make grants for. In the past we have funded things like essential household items; tools or study materials you need for college; special trips or equipment to develop a hobby or interest; bikes, musical instruments, sports kits, short courses and driving lessons in very specific circumstances. We are here to fund the extras that give you the same opportunities as everyone else. We do not fund things which are the responsibility of the local authority, fostering agency, landlord or carer. We do not pay recurring costs.

Are you counting the cost ?
Fourth, remember that we have to prioritise all the grant applications we receive. You can improve your chances of success by:

• doing your own research in how to keep the cost down; you can often find things you need on Gumtree or EBay. If not, provide quotes from suppliers such as Argos or IKEA.
• remember that whilst the maximum you can apply for is £700 the average grant is about half this.
• for items where we have a maximum grant (washing machines, fridge/freezers, cookers, bikes, driving lessons, laptops) the maximum figure will be flagged up on the form when you complete the relevant question.

You will be asked for evidence of the cost of the items requested.

Finally check the deadline for your application
We accept applications as follows:

• From 1 January for the March meeting
• From 1 April for the June meeting
• From 1 July for the September meeting
• From 1 October for the December meeting.
  

Closing dates for applications are generally two weeks before the meetings. Dates are posted on this page.
We will let you know by the end of that month whether or not we've given you a grant.

We are currently accepting grant applications.