About the Fund
The Lightbulb Fund aims to support projects focused on young people in care or leaving care, and looked after children.
Examples of activity that can be funded:
- Education and training e.g. life skills, self-care workshops, cooking sessions, digital literacy, advice and advocacy, legal support
- Employment e.g. paid work placements, CV and interview workshops, job fairs, business mentoring, apprenticeships
- Health and wellbeing e.g. trauma-informed therapy sessions, exercise sessions, mental health support groups, parenting support for care-experienced/care leaver parents
- Practical support e.g. budgeting sessions, house-related workshops, travel passes, white good/furniture stater packs
- Community and social e.g. cultural trips, creative outings, outdoor activities, networking and volunteering opportunities
Eligibility
Grants over £5,000 per year
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations (e.g. CIO, CIC limited by guarantee, charitable companies) registered with the Charity Commission, Companies House or FCA Mutuals Public Register.
- Registered charities that aren’t an incorporated structure. These cannot use grants for PAYE staff, only self-employed workers.
Grants of £5,000 or less per year
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations (e.g. CIO, CIC limited by guarantee, charitable companies) registered with the Charity Commission, Companies House or FCA Mutuals Public Register.
- Registered charities that aren’t an incorporated structure. These cannot use grants for PAYE staff, only self-employed workers.
- Small unincorporated and unregistered organisations – if annual income is less than £10,000 and the grant wouldn’t push income above £10,000 in the current financial year.
Grant Details
Grants up to £20,000 are available (up to £10,000 per annum) for two years.
How to apply
The closing date for applications is 19 January 2026 (12 noon) for decisions in March 2026.Applicants must register at the Foundation website to access the online application form.
Find out more Visit the funders website
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