Hilden Charitable Fund UK Funding Programme

The Hilden Charitable Fund offers grants to small UK charities working in two priority areas: asylum seekers and refugees, and penal affairs. The fund supports organizations providing essential services, meeting needs, and supporting participation within the wider community for asylum seekers and refugees who face hostility, challenge and isolation. For penal affairs, the fund prioritizes work 'through the door' in prisons, especially with women prisoners, to help maintain family bonds and support positive resettlement upon release. The fund is committed to flexible funding and reducing bureaucracy for applicants. Grants are awarded to registered charities and charitable organizations with annual income no more than £200,000. Organizations can apply for unrestricted grants or project funding for up to two years, with grants typically ranging between £5,000 and £7,000 per year. The fund values good governance, lived experience representation, clear track records, and prioritizes organizations with less than 50% of annual income in free unrestricted reserves. The programme closed for applications on August 21, 2025, with decisions made by end of November 2025. The next opening is expected in summer 2026. Priority is given to organizations with robust governance, safeguarding policies, lived experience on boards/staff, and expertise in delivering relevant services. Organizations outside Greater London may be prioritized when demand is high.