The McCarthy Stone Foundation has announced a new funding programme designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation for people aged 65 and over in some of the UK’s most deprived areas. Grants of up to £7,500 will be available to support community-based projects in England, Scotland, and Wales. Around 20 grants are expected to be awarded during this round.

Applications open on 1 August and close on 29 August 2025 at 5:00pm

Grants are available for public engagement projects led by groups within or outside the research community that will tackle misconceptions around dementia and promote the importance of dementia research.

The Inspire Fund provides funding for innovative projects that engage and empower the public by improving understanding of dementia and sharing the benefits of dementia research. The funders aim to create and nurture relationships between communities, researchers, creatives and other potential applicants. Projects must engage with underserved audiences on the topic of dementia, such as minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

For this call, seed funding is available to new grant holders, in grants of up to £5,000 per project.

The deadline for applications to the 2025 seed fund call is 8 September 2025 (5pm)

Funding projects that help older people stay independent, healthy and socially included from reducing isolation to improving access to services and overcoming life challenges.

Projects focusing on underrepresented communities are especially encouraged.

Deadline: Monday 15 September 2025

Small grants are available to fund projects to improve the lives of the elderly across the UK.  Home Instead Charities awards grants of up to £1,500 to small, local registered charities and up to £500 to grassroots organisations for well-being events, activities or pastimes that prevent social isolation and loneliness amongst adults over 55. Eligible projects may include regular events such as a cinema club, knitting group, or lunch club; one-off activities like a day trip or Christmas lunch; or other initiatives such as yoga classes or guest speaker sessions.

Applications can be submitted four times per year in January, April, July and October.

Grants of up to £2,500 are available to charitable organisations for projects that tackle loneliness amongst older people and adults with a disability.  The funding made available through Barchester’s Charitable Foundation offers these grants to support projects that connect or re-connect people with others in their local community. This could include activity projects, equipment and materials, member transport, and day trips. The foundation also offers grants of up to £1,000 to help individuals with mobility issues. Grants can purchase wheelchairs, scooters, bikes, or car adaptations.

There are no deadlines, and applications can be submitted at any time.