The Hardship Grant Programme

The Hardship Fund supports families in the North East of England who are in extreme financial hardship. The Hardship Fund was established in 1993 and since then it has given over £2million to families in poverty in the North East of England.

The Hardship Fund operates in the four counties of North-East England, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham and Teesside.

The Hardship Fund offers grants of up to £150 to be paid through recognised social organisations including charities, social companies, social services, schools and health services. The grants are used to purchase individual items that can make a huge difference to family life. This includes household items such as:
 
Item and maximum available grant
Cookers - £150
Washing Machine - £150
Fridge Freezer - £150
Furnishings - £150
Flooring - £100
Baby Equipment - £100
Clothing - £50pp

Grants can be used to purchase either new or reconditioned second-hand items.

We can also consider requests for similar items but we cannot consider any of the following:

• Unspecified costs
• Repayment of loans
• Bankruptcy petition fees
• Holidays
• Funeral Expenses
• Medical Equipment
• Computer Equipment

Priorities:
Due to recent increases in the volume of applications received by the Greggs Foundation we have identified three priorities to help in our grant making. We are far more likely to support an application if it meets the priority criteria listed below.

We prioritise families over individuals
We prioritise the most financially excluded people
We prioritise items that will make the most difference


How to apply
Please note: We can only accept applications from recognised social organisations such as charities, housing associations and social services acting on behalf of a family or individual in need.

Please apply online following the links below for the application form and online applications guidance.  Please ensure that you submit your application by 4pm of each Friday to be considered in the following weeks' assessments.
We would be extremely grateful if you use the online system, however, if you find it impossible, please contact the Foundation team on 0191 2127626 and we can provide an alternative.
The Greggs Foundation aims to respond to all applications, successful or not. However, if you haven't had a decision within three weeks of your application you can assume that it was unsuccessful.

Help with online form >> Application form >>