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News • August 5th, 2026
|A new opportunity has arisen for organisations in Leeds to apply for a share of £1.5 million in grant funding aimed at supporting older carers who are facing financial difficulties. This initiative, launched by the national charity Independent Age, seeks to provide vital resources for those aged over 65 who are struggling on low incomes. The funding aims to improve access to community-based and in-person advice, which can greatly enhance the financial wellbeing of these carers.
Funding Details
Independent Age is keen to encourage local organisations in Leeds to apply for this funding, which is part of their Older People’s Fund. The focus of this funding round is on helping older carers—those who often find themselves in challenging financial situations due to the costs associated with caring for others. Caring can lead to reduced income and increased expenses, making it difficult for many to make ends meet. Eligible organisations can apply for grants over a three-year period, with the following options available:
Up to £150,000 (£50,000 per year) for individual applications
A shared total of up to £210,000 (£70,000 per year) if applying in partnership with others
This funding is not just limited to Leeds; it is also available for organisations in other cities including: - Edinburgh - Birmingham - Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - Dorset - Cornwall
Importance of Supporting Older Carers
This is the third round of funding from the Older People’s Fund, which aims to address the financial challenges faced by older individuals. Previous rounds supported projects that focused on older women from racially minoritised groups and older private renters. The current round highlights the urgent need to assist older carers and those they care for, as they are particularly vulnerable to financial hardship.
Morgan Vine, the Director of Grants at Independent Age, emphasised the importance of this funding:
“Being a carer for someone close to you can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, and it can often feel isolating. Caring can also bring additional costs that many people would not otherwise face. Yet we know that too many older carers miss out on the financial support and advice available to them. That's why we have chosen to focus this round of our Older People's Fund on improving access to support services for older carers on low incomes, helping them to access the financial support they need.”
How to Apply
The application process for the grants will be conducted in two stages. The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The deadline for submissions for the EOI is set for 2pm on Wednesday 26th August 2026. Those who submit successful EOIs will then be invited to provide a more detailed application for consideration by the Independent Age grants panel. For organisations interested in applying, further information about eligibility criteria, FAQs, and the application process can be found on the Independent Age website at this link.
Impact of Funding
Independent Age has a strong track record of providing grants to local organisations that directly support older people. Since 2021, they have awarded over 140 grants, positively impacting nearly 55,000 older individuals across the UK. The charity’s mission is to end financial hardship in later life, ensuring that every older person has the means to live well. This new funding round is a critical step towards addressing the unique challenges faced by older carers, recognising their essential role in society while also acknowledging the financial pressures they face. By supporting organisations that provide advice and services to these carers, Independent Age hopes to create a more supportive community for older individuals. Morgan Vine also noted the potential for growth among community organisations: “We know there are incredible community organisations in Leeds already carrying out vital work, and others who may want to reach older carers but don’t have the means to do so. This £1.5 million investment will help them continue and expand the valuable support they provide, ensuring more carers can access trusted advice and services in their local communities.” The funding from Independent Age is an important opportunity for local organisations that are dedicated to supporting older carers in Leeds. With the right resources and guidance, these organisations can make a significant impact on the lives of those who give so much to care for others.
