Aims/priorities: Funded by Money Saving Expert, the MSE Charity gives grants to UK not-for-profit organisations that deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money.
There are two rounds per year. Four themes rotate through a two year cycle.
- Raising the Next Generation
- Life Changing Transitions
- Living with Long Term Challenges
- Building and Developing Resilience.
Who can apply? Small to medium-sized non-profit organisations with a constitution can apply, including UK registered charities, community interest companies, social enterprises and credit unions.
To be eligible, applicants must be based in the UK, looking for funding for UK based activities, and have:
- An annual income of less than £750,000.
- 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: The maximum grant has been increased from £7,500 to £8,000 for the September 2023 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: Applications are usually invited twice a year: in February and September.
Each grant round is limited to the first 40 accepted applications.
The next grant round, Life Changes, will open for applications on 4 September 2023 with a deadline of 29 September 2023. Applications will be reviewed on 8 November and decisions mailed by 22 November 2023.
The September 2023 Application Form Questions and eligibility quiz are currently available to review.
A grant eligibility quiz, online application form, guidance notes and FAQs are available on the MSE Charity website. The application guidance document changes for each round and groups should make sure they have read it carefully before starting the application form.
Groups that wish to discuss their project should send an email to the Operations Manager.
Applications are only accepted electronically and only within the grant round dates.
Deadline: Friday 29 September 2023.
Contact information: Email: info@msecharity.com
Website: Home (msecharity.com)