Comic Relief - A Place to Belong: Every Step of the Way

Comic Relief, in partnership with Omaze, has launched A Place to Belong: Every Step of the Way, a new programme supporting work on youth homelessness and racial justice in homelessness. The programme builds on earlier youth homelessness funding and aims to address both immediate need and structural inequity in housing.

Objectives of Fund

This programme aims to ensure that funding not only addresses the immediate needs of young people but also helps dismantle the longstanding barriers that drive and sustain housing inequity.

Value Notes

Two pathways are available:

• Service Delivery Pathway – a £2.8 million programme offering core-flexible funding of up to £200,000 over three to five years for organisations supporting 16 to 25-year-olds at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Organisations must work in specified areas of England.
• Systemic Change Pathway – a £1 million programme offering core-flexible funding of up to £450,000 over three to seven years for organisations advancing policy change and challenging structural racism in housing and homelessness across the UK

Who Can Apply

UK organisations with annual income between £200,000 and £10 million can apply.

Organisations applying for the Service Delivery Pathway must be based in North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and The Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, South West England, East of England.

Organisations that are eligible include:

• UK registered charity in England & Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
• Community interest company limited by shares or guarantees (CIC)
• UK Charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)
• Other type of registered non-profit organisation that uses its assets for a defined social purpose
• Company limited by guarantee or share using its assets for a defined social purpose
• Limited liability partnership using assets for a defined social purpose
• Co-operative society/friendly society
• UK constituted organisation or trust

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• One-off conferences or workshops (unless part of larger, ongoing work).
• Individual and group sponsorship, bursaries, or funding study by individuals.
• Organisations or activities with a partisan political stance.
• Activities which evangelise (preaching or spreading religious beliefs) or proselytise (trying to convert people’s belief or religious views).
• General appeals, or marketing appeals.

Eligible Expenditure

Flexible, core funding is designed to support the good work of organisations, not just projects.

Location

United Kingdom

How To Apply

Application guidance notes, frequently asked questions and the eligibility questionnaire can be found on the Comic Relief website.

The application process is as follows:

• The first stage is to submit the online eligibility questionnaire.
• Those who are eligible may submit a full application by the deadline of 30 April 2026 (23:59). 
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a proposal assessment and asked to submit additional information and supporting documentation.

Contact Comic Relief for further information.