Forward Carers invites Grant Applications for new Carer Activities
Forward Carers is committed to supporting activities that are led and shaped by what Carers say they need to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.
Being an unpaid Carer can be rewarding, but it can also be complex, demanding, and overwhelming.
That is why it is so important that support is designed around the real experiences of Carers themselves. Activities created by Carers, for Carers, offer meaningful opportunities to connect, take time out, and access support.
With this in mind, Forward Carers is delighted to announce an opportunity to apply for grants to support a Birmingham based Carer activity this June.
Groups can take many different forms depending on what works best for Carers. For example social meet-ups, peer support groups, wellbeing activities, or community connections.
This opportunity gives you the freedom to make a real difference to Carers in Birmingham.
About the Grant
For this grant, we are keen for the activity to take place in June 2026 to honour and celebrate Carers Week.
We want activities that strengthen your community, with a focus on Carers. Examples of activities that the fund could cover:
- Food Related Activities: Festival of World Foods, Baking Class, Celebrations.
- Visits: To a Library or Local Centre.
- Workshops: Gardening, Games, Singing, Book Clubs, DIY, Creative Writing.
- Walking and Exercise: Join up with a Local Organisation, Dancing, or just a trip to a local park followed by some tea and cake!
When thinking about your idea for a group or activity, please consider how it might:
- Support caring relationships and help improve the wellbeing of Carers.
- Promote equality and inclusion.
- Help create strong, resilient families and communities.
- Reduce isolation for Carers in Birmingham.
- Provide some “time out” and enjoyable experiences for Carers.
- Help people connect and build social and community relationships.
This opportunity enables small, local ideas to have a big impact.
Often, it is simple activities such as meeting others, sharing experiences, trying something new, or having time to focus on personal wellbeing that can make the greatest difference.
This grant helps turn those ideas into reality.
Who Can Apply?
Any group of Carers over the age of 17 can apply for up to £500. A lead must be named contact for the activity and will take a leading role in coordinating it.
You can apply for the grant up until May 2026 and applications are reviewed regularly. This grant will need to be spent by June 2026, specifically during Carers Week 2026 (8th June – 14th June).
If you are unsuccessful on this occasion, you may apply for funding later in the year.
What can the Fund NOT pay for?
Unfortunately, the funding does not cover all activities, so please see below for some advice on what the grant would not cover.
- Activities that take place before we confirm that we will cover expenses
- Activities that take place outside of Birmingham, UK.
- Profit-making or commercial activities
- Items that mainly benefit individuals, for example equipment that is not shared. This can also include industry specific courses that are level 3 and above
- Personal equipment that is not integral to the delivery of the activity
- Items on behalf of another organisation, group, or network
- Contingency costs
- Endowments
- Purchase of land, property, or refurbishment
- Loans or interest payments
- Gambling
- Political or religious activities
- Fundraising activities for your organisation or others*
More Information and Applying
For more information and application form, please see the links below.
If you have any questions, please contact georgina.koceli@forwardcarers.org.uk and we will be able to support you through the application.
