Loans, grants & funding

The Almshouse Association provides support and guidance to member charities needing to raise funds for projects they wish to undertake; whether this is to assist with the cost of repairs to their almshouses, the building of new almshouses, or remodelling and refurbishment projects that are designed to improve the living standards of residents.

Documented guidance on buildings (repair and maintenance) and fundraising can be found in:

The Almshouse Association Standards of Almshouse Management Guidance Manual ā€“ click to access

  • Please refer to Chapter 16: Buildings (repair and maintenance) and Fundraising

As part of our member benefits, The Almshouse Association offers member charities interest free loans and grants:

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Interest Free Loans

Trustees facing unexpected costs or needing to undertake projects for their charities have peace of mind knowing they may apply to The Almshouse Association for an interest free loan. To make up a shortfall in funding loans of between Ā£25,001 andĀ  Ā£100,000 can be applied for.

Borrowing is made available on an interest free basis and apart from a one-off administration fee calculated at 5% of the amount loaned, there are no other costs attached. The loans are unsecured and repayable over a ten year period. Member charities are required to provide financial evidence in order to demonstrate the ability of the almshouse charity to repay the loan.

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Grants

The Almshouse Association also offers grants of up to Ā£25,000 to those charities that would be unable to afford loan repayments. We receive a range of applications for grants, from roof repairs, replacement windows to the installation of wet rooms, each project aiming to create better homes for the future.

We encourage and support our member charities wishing to apply for a grant to seek match funding where possible. The Almshouse Association will guide and support our members through the application process.

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Please click here to find out how to apply for an Almshouse Association Interest Free Loan or Grant

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Accessing External Funding

The Almshouse Association can also support members to access external funding by offering guidance and signposting members to appropriate grant-making bodies.Ā 

To discuss any funding opportunities that we are currently aware of, please contact Fenella Hall, Loans and Grants Administrator on 01344 452922 or email fenellahall@almshouses.org

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Social Housing Grants and Almshouse Consortium Limited

Almshouse charities have been accessing Social Housing Grants (SHG) from Homes England (HE) and The Greater London Authority (GLA) for many years. These grants are available for major repairs, remodelling and the provision of new almshouses, however, some years ago HE/GLA advised they could no longer deal with small organisations as it was not cost effective.

Almshouse Consortium Limited (ACL), a private company limited by guarantee, has been specifically set up as a vehicle for almshouses seeking Social Housing Grant from HE/GLA. The grant is channelled through ACL and each member almshouse nominates a Director to ACL, so that decisions affecting how the company operates are controlled by those who benefit from it.

ACL has produced a Grant Funding Information Pack and a Grant Funding Process Map to assist members in navigating their way through the process of accessing funds. These documents can be accessed by clicking on the link below:

Contact details for the Almshouse Consortium LimitedĀ 

To find out more about pastĀ  projects ACL has been involved with, please click here.