Background

COSARAF is a charitable foundation established in 2007 that is dedicated to the following strategic priorities:

• Promoting strong and cohesive communities.
• Enabling young people to realise their potential.
• Empowering women and girls.

Objectives of Fund

This fund aims to support individuals and families who are struggling with everyday costs, such as basic living expenses, household items and utilities, or rent arrears.

Value Notes

Grants of up to £2,000 are available in one year, but only in exceptional circumstances will individuals receive a grant of more than £500.

Other sources of funding must have been exhausted.

Who Can Apply

Applications will only be accepted from recognised third party social organisation, such as charities, housing associations, schools and social services who are acting on behalf of a family or individual in need.

Priority will be given to:

• The most financially excluded people.
• Families over individuals.
• Those with caring responsibilities.
• Items that will make the most difference to the individual/family’s long-term future.

Organisations can only apply once in a single year.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are taking advantage of all support offered by local services, including the referring social organisation.

Applications will not be accepted from CIC’s or limited companies.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Higher education tuition fees or maintenance during study.
• Repayments of credit card debts.
• Private school fees for primary or secondary education.
• Non-essential items (such as TV licences or TVs).
• Pet care.
• Water bill arrears.
• Flooring or carpets.
• Applicants who are already on an IVA or debt management solution.
• Unspecified costs.
• School trips.
• Car repairs.
• Holidays.

Eligible Expenditure

Eligible costs include:

• Household items (white goods and occasionally other items such as sofas or wardrobes).
• Basic living expenses (utilities or food).
• Work or education-related expenses (such as interview clothes, school uniforms, or laptops).
• Rent arrears and Council tax arrears, but only where there is a clear risk of homelessness (for rent arrears involving a social landlord applicants should outline what support has already been offered to the tenant).
• Contribution to immigration-related costs, where the current immigration status directly causes financial hardship to the applicant.

How To Apply

Awards are made from the COSARAF Foundation Hardship Fund every eight to ten weeks. The Hardship grants committee meets once every six weeks to discuss recent applications.

Applications will only be accepted where they are made on an individual’s behalf by a third party social organisation with a supporting statement from that organisation.

Guidance notes and an online application form are available from the COSARAF website.

Contact COSARAF for further information.