Local schools and community groups are encouraged to apply to an impactful council cost of living fund.
Published: Monday, 15th December 2025
Cherwell District Council is taking applications to the Household Support Fund, with grants of up to £2,000 available for community organisations that need capital or revenue funding to help residents with the cost of living.
Fourteen of the 15 organisations which applied for the grant under the previous funding round were successful. The current application window is open until Sunday, 18 January.
Councillor Rob Pattenden, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “This grant fund is all about empowering community groups, schools and charities to deliver support where it will have the greatest impact in our communities. All too often, the cost of living is holding people back. I believe that when we invest in helping residents overcome some of those barriers, we reap great returns, improving people’s life chances and health, and helping keep our communities resilient.
“I’m pleased that we had such a positive take-up to the previous funding round, and very grateful to the community partners who are putting the money to such good use, delivering projects to help people access food and nutrition, stay warm at home and to tackle problems such as period poverty.
“And with the amazing work they do supporting vulnerable families in our district, we’re especially keen to invite schools to apply as we open this latest funding round.”
Previous grants have supported activities under the Cherwell Food Action Plan, funding food provision and storage, edible gardens, cooking classes, and nutrition classes in the community.
The grant can also be used to purchase period products and equipment that help people cut their energy consumption: for example, air fryers or slow cookers to reduce the amount of electricity used when cooking, or electric blankets and draught excluders to help with heating bills.
Eligible groups working in Cherwell district can find out more and apply for a Household Support Fund grant online by visiting the council website. Applications need to be submitted by Sunday, 18 January.