The Safe and Warm Grassroots Communities scheme is part of the wider Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funding programme. We’re partnering with three Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) to deliver this scheme: SGN, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), and Wales and West Utilities (WWU).

Community organisations play a crucial role in identifying and supporting people who are vulnerable and most at risk of fuel poverty within their communities. Their close and trusted relationships within neighbourhoods can reach people who are less engaged with national campaigns or unaware of formal support routes.

We’re looking for locally rooted organisations within the SGN, NGN and WWU network areas, to provide much needed energy safeguarding and wellbeing support. Organisations can apply for a minimum of £8,000 and a maximum of £14,000, for delivery between 1 September 2026 and 31 May 2027.

The deadline to apply is 11am on Monday 10 August 2026.

UK households continue to face high energy costs and many also face the challenge of hard to heat housing. Since 2021, energy prices have almost doubled, and as of early 2026, it’s estimated that around 6.7 million households across the UK are living in fuel poverty. Nearly half of low-income households remain in homes that are hard to heat, leaving millions exposed to cold, damp conditions that harm their physical and mental health.

The Safe and Warm Grassroots Communities scheme is creating a network of organisations providing crucial support to people with energy-related needs and other crisis interventions. Many organisations will reach people who otherwise wouldn’t access energy advice and support, for example because of being in an underserved geographic area or demographic community.

It’s particularly focused on helping people who will struggle to stay safe and warm over the cold winter period. But we know that it’s not just the winter months that are tough, and advice and support is needed through the year.

Aims of the scheme

The fund aims to build the capacity of grassroots organisations to support their community with:

• Current information on help and support available to maintain a safe and warm home.
• Critical primary needs around energy and income maximisation.
• Joining the Priority Services Register where eligible. This is a simple sign up which offers extra security and support in the event of an unplanned power outage).
• Awareness of the risk of Carbon Monoxide and how to mitigate it.
• Reducing stress and improving health and wellbeing as a result of being helped at a time of unprecedented need.
• Support to access emergency funding, crisis support and energy funding schemes.

Successful applicants will be able to access energy advice training and resources. You’ll also be able to join quarterly online networking events to share learning and best practice.

How to apply

We strongly recommend reading the application guidance before starting your application. Download the guidance here.

We’re also hosting two informational webinars, where you can find out more about the scheme, get tips on what we’re looking for in the application and ask questions. The sessions will be recorded so if you can’t make it, please register anyway and we will share the recording and slides. Both sessions will have the same content.

1pm, Thursday 16 July – register on Zoom here.
1pm, Wednesday 29 July – register on Zoom here.

Once you’re ready to apply, you can submit your application online here. The deadline for applications is 11am on Monday 10 August 2026.

(You can view the application form here, but your final application must be submitted using the online form.)

If you have any questions about the application process, get in touch with us at safeandwarmcommunities@cse.org.uk.