Are Housing Associations Accessing All Available Funds to Best Support Their Communities?

This article is a mix of funding options I’ve come across—but I encourage you to please add others in the comments or any of your insights, tips, and experiences.

Here’s a guide to some of the most relevant funding opportunities currently available, complete with useful links to help you take action.?Examples of opps large and small!

Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) 2021-2026?

The Affordable Homes Programme provides significant grants to support the development of new affordable homes. It also funds the replacement of outdated properties as part of wider estate regeneration projects. This funding is an essential tool for housing associations looking to modernise their stock while meeting community needs.?

• Eligibility: Registered providers, housing associations, and local authorities.?

• Deadline: Ongoing until 2026.?

Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (Wave 3)?

With the rising focus on energy efficiency, the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund helps housing providers improve properties to EPC Band C or above. This initiative supports retrofitting homes with insulation, renewable heating, and other energy-saving measures to tackle fuel poverty.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities, housing associations, and registered charities owning social housing.?

• Current Status: Wave 3 applications have recently closed, but future rounds are expected.?

Woodland Trust Free Tree Packs?

Green spaces are vital for improving community well-being, and the Woodland Trust’s Free Tree Packs are a fantastic opportunity to enhance estate environments. These packs are available to schools, community groups, and housing associations looking to boost biodiversity and create shared green areas.?

• Eligibility: Schools, housing associations, and community groups.?

• Application Deadlines: Packs are distributed twice yearly in spring and autumn.?

Veolia Environmental Trust Grants?

The Veolia Environmental Trust offers grants for projects that enhance community facilities and biodiversity. Whether you’re creating a community garden or improving natural habitats, this funding can provide up to ￡75,000.?

• Eligibility: Not-for-profit organisations within 5 miles of a Veolia facility.?

• Key Deadlines: Next round closes on 7 January 2025, with decisions by March 2025.?

Groundwork UK’s Green Space Grants?

Groundwork UK offers financial support for creating or improving local green spaces. This initiative ties in perfectly with tree planting or urban greening projects on housing estates.?

• Eligibility: Community groups, housing associations, and not-for-profit organisations.?

• Deadlines: Regularly updated; check their website for details.?

National Lottery Heritage Fund: Landscape and Nature Projects?

The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports landscape and biodiversity projects that preserve and enhance natural environments. This funding is ideal for estates looking to improve green spaces or introduce new environmental initiatives.?

• Eligibility: Charities, housing associations, and community organisations.?

• Deadlines: Rolling application process.?

Lancashire Environmental Fund?

If you’re based in Lancashire, the Lancashire Environmental Fund offers grants of up to ￡30,000 for projects that enhance local environments. This is a great way to fund capital projects like community gardens or nature trails.?

• Eligibility: Community and environmental groups in Lancashire.?

• Key Dates: Expressions of interest for Round 107 are due by 4 February 2025.?

Shared Prosperity Fund?

The Shared Prosperity Fund aims to reduce inequalities and improve community cohesion by funding local investment projects.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities and community-focused organisations.?

• Application Period: Managed locally; check with your council for specific deadlines.?

Big Give Green Match Fund?

The Big Give Green Match Fund offers matched funding for charities addressing environmental issues. This initiative could be ideal for housing associations launching eco-friendly projects.?

• Eligibility: UK-registered environmental charities.?

• Key Dates: Applications close on 17 January 2025.?

Funding for Community Projects?

Local authorities often manage initiatives that can be accessed through partnerships. For example, the Government Grants for Community Projects offer funding to improve social and environmental outcomes. Housing associations can collaborate with councils to unlock these funds.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities; housing associations may partner.?

• Deadlines: Regular; details available on the grant platform.?

Tesco Stronger Starts Grant?

The Tesco Stronger Starts programme provides grants for projects aimed at improving the quality of life within communities. This funding can be used for initiatives like community gardens or educational activities.?

• Eligibility: Community groups and organisations, potentially in partnership with housing associations.?

• Application Deadlines: Rolling application process.?

Community Foundation Network?

The Community Foundation network offers grants for projects that enhance local communities. Each regional foundation has unique funding priorities, making this a versatile option for housing associations.?

• Eligibility: Community-focused organisations and housing associations.?

• Deadlines: Vary by region; check your local foundation’s website.?

Budget Boost for Housing and Local Growth?

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recently announced additional funding to support housing, remediation, and local growth projects. This funding stream may include opportunities for housing associations to address environmental and infrastructure challenges.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities, housing associations in partnership.?

• Deadlines: Updates expected periodically.?

Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund provides funding to councils to help vulnerable households with essentials like food and energy bills. Housing associations could explore partnerships with local councils to ensure their tenants benefit.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities; housing associations may partner.?

• Deadlines: Allocated through councils; check local availability.?

Levelling Up and Community Investments?

The Levelling Up and Community Investments initiative provides a range of funding opportunities for community improvements and local growth.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities and community organisations, with potential for housing association partnerships.?

• Deadlines: Vary by fund; check specific opportunities.?

Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant?

The Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant supports initiatives to prevent homelessness and assist rough sleepers in accessing accommodation.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities; housing associations can collaborate.?

• Deadlines: Allocations published for 2025-2026.?

Homelessness Prevention Grant?

The Homelessness Prevention Grant funds local authorities to prevent and tackle homelessness, including support for temporary accommodation.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities; potential partnerships with housing associations.?

• Deadlines: Allocations set for 2025-2026.?

Rural Funding Digest?

The Rural Funding Digest provides a comprehensive monthly update of funding opportunities for rural areas, including those relevant to housing associations in less urbanised regions.?Royal Countryside Fund:

• Eligibility: Rural-focused organisations and housing associations.?

• Deadlines: Updated monthly.?

Supporting Communities - Small Grants 2025-2026?

Small Grants offer flexible funding for small-scale community projects, ideal for housing associations addressing local needs.?

• Eligibility: Community-focused organisations.?

• Deadlines: Regular tranches; check for updates.?

Warm Homes Local Authority Grant?

The Warm Homes Local Authority Grant supports energy efficiency improvements at a community level. Housing associations could partner with councils to access these funds.?

• Eligibility: Local authorities; housing associations can collaborate.?

• Deadlines: Check council announcements for availability.??

Making the Most of These Opportunities?

What others do you know?

Budgets are tight, expectations are high - if you want to discuss our estate services social housing consultancy aimed at benchmarking and improving value for money or our bid writing services

By being proactive and strategic, housing associations can secure the resources needed to transform their estates and better support the communities they serve.

For those looking at wider income and business development opportunities - we also have Tender Pipeline which collates tender notices and allows you to view who is winning what contracts!