Apply for a Grant

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Life doesn’t wait for help to arrive.

If you’re facing hardship - financially, emotionally, or physically - and you need fast, practical support, we’re here.

You don’t need a referral, you don’t need to justify why you’re struggling. You just need to tell us the truth.

This page explains who we help, how it works, and how to apply.

You can apply for a grant from the Mark Hewitson Foundation if:

- You legally live in the UK

- You’re facing hardship due to mental or physical ill health, trauma, bereavement, or life crisis

- You need urgent help with one-off costs like food, clothing, or accessing support

We’re here for individuals - not businesses or organisations.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis or to be in crisis services. We trust people to know when they need help.

We offer small, one-off grants that can make a big difference when you're struggling.

Some examples of things we’ve helped with:

- Emergency groceries or toiletries

- Winter coats or school shoes for children

- Replacement phone after a crisis

- Help with travel to therapy, hospital, or court

- Support with funeral-related costs

- Items needed for independence after injury or trauma

We can’t cover ongoing rent or debt repayments, regular income replacement, or repeated grant requests - but we’ll always try to signpost you to someone who can.

We try to keep it simple and human:

1. Fill out the short form - tell us what’s going on and what you need

2. We’ll review it personally - usually within 48hrs

3. If approved, we’ll either pay directly, issue a Tesco / Lifestyle gift card or transfer to your accounts (or send items)

You don’t need to tell your whole life story.

Just enough for us to understand how we can help.

To ensure that our limited funds are distributed fairly, we may ask applicants to provide supporting information before a grant can be considered.

This may include:

• Recent bank statements
• Evidence of benefits or income
• Utility bills or household expenses
• Medical evidence if health is relevant to the request
• Quotes for essential items where financial support is requested

All applications are reviewed by the trustees and providing this information does not guarantee that a grant will be awarded.

You can apply in a few ways:

- 🖥️ Apply online via the Contact Us page

- 📩 Or email if you’re struggling to complete the form: dee@markhewitsonfoundation.org

Do I need to be referred by a professional?

No. You can apply for yourself. We also accept applications from support workers on behalf of someone in need.

How much can I apply for?

Most grants range from £25 to £150, averaging £100, depending on the situation. It’s not huge - but it can be the thing that gets you through the day / week / month.

Why £100?

• £100 is more than anyone, no matter their circumstance will receive per week on Universal Credit.
• £100 was the most common amount sought from a payday lender - we know from research over half of payday loans go on essential and basic expenditure such as grocery shopping.
• £100 covers the average weekly grocery spend of a household of two adults.
• £100 covers the average monthly energy, water and broadband bills of a household, combined.

How quickly will I hear back?

We usually reply within 48hrs. If it’s more urgent, let us know.

Can someone help me apply?

Yes. A friend, carer, support worker or family member can help fill it in. Just let us know who they are.

We know asking for help can feel exposing.

You might be used to being ignored, doubted, or made to jump through hoops.

That’s not how we work.

We believe in small kindnesses, fast support, and trusting people to know what they need.

If you’re struggling - please reach out.

We’re here for moments like this.

📩 Email directly: dee@markhewitsonfoundation.org

🖥️ Contact Us to apply for a Grant