Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year for people who may not have family or friends nearby. Our Festive Connections Grants Programme is here to help local organisations create opportunities for people aged 65 and over to come together, enjoy some festive cheer and feel connected to their community.

This year, we have a £38,000 funding pot and expect to support more than 50 organisations across England, Scotland and Wales with grants of up to £750.

What can the funding support?

Grants can help organisations deliver a wide range of festive activities, including:

• Christmas lunches and festive meals
• Community Christmas events
• Festive activities, entertainment and crafts
• Venue hire
• Community transport
• Festive befriending activities
• Volunteer and staff costs directly related to delivering the funded activity
• Small Christmas gifts or hampers where these form part of a wider social connection or befriending activity

The important thing is that the funding helps people aged 65 and over connect with others, feel included and know that they are not forgotten during the festive period.

The activity itself can be open to a wider age group, but Foundation funding must be used to benefit people aged 65 and over.

Who can apply?

The programme is open to eligible organisations operating in England, Scotland and Wales, including registered charities, exempt charities, constituted community groups and Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee.

Organisations must have an annual income of less than £250,000, based on their most recent annual report or accounts.

The full eligibility criteria and information about what we can fund are included in our Festive Connections Grants Programme Guidance.

Key dates

Applications open: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Applications close: Thursday 15 October 2026 at 5pm
Successful applicants informed: By 30 October 2026
Grants paid: Shortly afterwards

If your organisation is planning something special this festive season to bring people together, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now: https://mccarthystonefoundation.org/apply/

Let’s make sure that this Christmas, more people feel connected, included and remembered. 🎄💛