The Isle of Wight Council is setting its sights on supporting local communities through the Household Support Fund.
Community organisations, voluntary groups, charities, educational institutions, and local councils across the Isle of Wight can apply throughout September for funding through the Isle of Wight Council’s Community Grant scheme, supported by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund (HSF).
Funding is available for both new and existing initiatives that support residents facing financial challenges with food insecurity, utility-related costs, or other essential items.
Since its launch in October 2021, the scheme has funded around 250 grants. This latest round offers a total of £530,000 in funding, made available through the Household Support Fund.
As well as helping people in financial crisis, the council is keen to support projects that prevent households from reaching crisis point and also those that can help residents become financially independent.
This includes initiatives such as cooking classes, community kitchens, or integrated advice and support services. Innovative proposals that align with the Isle of Wight Poverty Reduction Strategy are also encouraged.
Strategic Manager for Partnerships and Support Services at the Isle of Wight Council, Ian Lloyd says:
“This funding is a lifeline for many grassroots projects across the Island. It’s not just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about building resilience and supporting long-term change. We’re keen to hear from groups with creative, community-driven ideas that can make a real impact.”
The application window is open from 1 to 30th September 2025. Another application window will open in January, offering a final opportunity for groups to apply. The Household Support Fund will come to an end in March 2026. No further funding is expected beyond this date, so applicants should treat this as a final opportunity to benefit from the scheme.
The scheme is one of several initiatives through which the council is supporting residents from the HSF.
Why not give a percentage of this money to the
Daisy bus.
I agree tht it would be very helpful to find any form of funding for the Daisy Bus but I am not sure it would meet the criteria for this particular community grant which is aimed at “food insecurity, utility-related costs, or other essential items”. I supose it would depend how “other essential items” were defined. There would be no harm in applying – the worst that could happen is they say ‘no’.
There doesn’t seem to be any way of getting money to the daisy bus without using “just giving” at a 15% rake off.
More needs to be done, because the NHS on the
Island fail to provide all medical services, therefore
the funding should come directly from the NHS
budget.
What next people will have to start paying for
Ambulance costs, wouldn’t surprise me under this
Labour Government.