Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a grant?
We currently support individuals in the UK who are facing hardship due to: - Mental or physical ill health - Trauma or loss - Life-changing events or sudden financial crisis.
You do not need to be receiving benefits to apply — we understand that hardship looks different for everyone.
What can the grant be used for?
We offer small, one-off grants that can help with:
- Emergency food or clothing via a Tesco or Lifestyle giftcard
- Payment of a small bill, or putting money onto a gas or electric meter
- Transport to attend therapy or important appointments
- Costs related to bereavement or domestic crisis
- Short-term relief while waiting for other support
We’re here to offer immediate, practical help when it’s needed the most.
How much can I apply for?
Our grants are usually between £25 and £150, depending on your situation and our available funds. Every application is considered individually.
How do I apply?
You can:
- Fill in our short online application form
- Or email us at with a few details about your situation
Do I need to send evidence?
We don’t ask for a lot of paperwork — we trust you.
But we might ask for basic information like:
- A short description of your circumstances
- What the grant would help with
- Financial aid currently in receipt of
- Details of someone who can support your application (could be a support worker, carer or medical professional)
- Proof of bank details and / or email and phone number, for payment
How quickly will I hear back?
We aim to respond to all applications within 48hrs. If it’s urgent, let us know and we’ll do our best to help sooner.
Will I need to repay the money back?
No. Our grants are gifts, not loans. We give them with no strings attached, to help you through a difficult time.
Can I apply more than once?
We may be able to help again in the future, but our grants are mainly for one-off emergency support. If you’ve already received a grant, you’re welcome to contact us again and we’ll review it case by case.
I'm applying on behalf of someone else - is that OK?
Yes, we do accept referrals from professionals, charities, or support workers with the person’s permission. Please contact us for more details.
I'm not sure if I'm eligible, what should I do?
Reach out. If we can’t help directly, we’ll try our best to signpost you to someone who can. You deserve support, even if you're unsure how to ask for it.
How do we use your donations?
Every single penny of every donation made to the Mark Hewitson Foundation go towards funding our programs and services, such as food assistance, housing support, and educational programs.