Shrewsbury Town Council launches Cost of Living Grant Scheme for local charities

Shrewsbury Town Council is inviting local charities and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding through its new Cost of Living Grant Scheme, designed to support residents facing ongoing financial pressures.

The scheme forms part of a wider Cost of Living Fund approved by Full Council will allocate £80,000 per year over a three-year period to support projects that will make a measurable difference to people living in Shrewsbury.

Important: This funding is available to organisations only, not individuals. Eligible applicants include registered charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), and not-for-profit organisations delivering services to the community and residents within Shrewsbury.

The Council will work together and award grants to 4–5 organisations, with each successful applicant receiving approximately £20,000 per year.

Supporting those most in need

The fund has been created in response to rising costs affecting households across the town, including increases in food, energy, transport, and housing costs. It aims to support community-based initiatives that help residents reduce everyday expenses, improve financial resilience, and access vital services.

Emma Micklewright, Chair of the Cost of Living Grants Sub-Committee, said:

“Local charities are at the forefront of supporting people through the ongoing cost of living challenges. This fund is about backing those organisations to deliver practical, meaningful help that reduces everyday costs for residents and strengthens support across our communities. We are particularly keen to see collaborative, innovative projects that make a real difference to people’s lives here in Shrewsbury.”

Projects must align with at least one of the following priority areas: supporting older people, debt advice and financial inclusion, community transport, energy efficiency and fuel poverty, food support and food security.

Helen Ball, Town Clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, said:

“We are looking for strong, well-evidenced applications from organisations that understand local need and can demonstrate how their work will help residents reduce costs and improve financial resilience.

The application process has been designed to be clear and transparent, with a focus on impact, value for money, and partnership working across the town. We encourage all eligible organisations to apply and to set out clearly the difference their project will make.”

Charities and not-for-profit organisations can find full guidance notes and download the application form by visiting: shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-fund.

The closing date for applications is 15 May.