The Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust’s Through the Gate grant programme supports organisations working with people who are leaving prison and moving back into the community. The fund aims to help individuals transition successfully by providing targeted support that reduces reoffending and improves long-term wellbeing, stability and social inclusion.
This programme recognises that the period immediately after release is one of the most challenging in a person’s life, with many facing barriers related to housing, employment, mental health, finances and social connection. Through the Gate grants help organisations deliver effective support during this critical phase.
About the Through the Gate Fund
Through the Gate is part of the Trust’s broader focus on strengthening vulnerable communities. The programme funds practical support for people who have recently left prison, helping them to access the services and stability they need to rebuild their lives.
The Trust understands that this work not only benefits individuals but also contributes to safer, healthier communities by reducing the likelihood of reoffending and strengthening social integration.
Who the Fund Is For
The Through the Gate fund is aimed at organisations that:
- Work directly with people recently released from prison
- Provide wrap-around support addressing key resettlement needs
- Deliver services that build confidence, resilience and independence
- Target barriers such as unemployment, homelessness or social isolation
This includes charities, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations with a proven track record in working with people in contact with the criminal justice system.
What the Fund Supports
Through the Gate grants can support a range of activities designed to improve outcomes for people leaving prison, including:
- Mentoring, coaching and one-to-one support
- Practical assistance with housing, finances and essential services
- Training, education and employment support
- Wellbeing activities, including mental health and peer support
- Community integration and positive social connection
The emphasis is on practical, evidence-informed support that helps people navigate the transition from custody to community life with dignity, stability and purpose.
Who Is Eligible
To qualify for Through the Gate funding, organisations must:
- Be a registered charity, CIC, social enterprise or properly constituted not-for-profit
- Have a defined track record of supporting people leaving prison, or clearly demonstrate capacity to deliver targeted resettlement work
- Provide evidence of good governance and robust safeguarding practices
- Be able to show measurable impact and clear outcomes for participants
- Organisations must be delivering work that benefits people living in Kent and Medway.
Organisations should be confident that the work they propose will make a meaningful difference to the lives of people in the resettlement stage.
How Much Funding Is Available
Grants are offered between £10,000 and £75,000, depending on the scale and impact of the activity. Organisations can apply for either:
- A one-off grant supported over a single year
- A grant payable over two to three years, enabling more sustained support and planning
The amount awarded should be proportionate to the level of work proposed and clearly linked to outcomes that can be evidenced and evaluated.
Application Timelines
Through the Gate operates a rolling application process with indicative windows:
- Apply by end of October → decisions by early March
- Apply by end of February → decisions by early July
- Apply by end of June → decisions by early November
These windows may close early if capacity is reached, so early submission is encouraged. Applicants should prepare responses carefully and consider downloading the application form in advance to work offline.
What Makes a Strong Application
Strong Through the Gate applications typically:
- Clearly articulate the challenge being addressed for people leaving prison
- Demonstrate how proposed support will improve stability, skills, wellbeing or integration
- Include measurable outcomes and a clear plan for evaluating impact
- Show strong organisational governance, safeguarding and financial management
- Explain why support at the resettlement stage is needed and how the project fills gaps in local provision
Linking activities to reduction in reoffending risk factors, such as unstable housing or unemployment, strengthens proposals.
Is This Right for Your Organisation?
If your organisation works with people leaving prison and has experience delivering resettlement support, Through the Gate funding can help you deepen impact, scale services or sustain effective practice over time.
Taking part in this funding round could enable you to support participants through a pivotal transition helping people move from custody to community life with dignity, confidence and connection.
