Opportunity Title : Cambridge City Council Homelessness Prevention Grants 2026

The Homelessness Prevention Grants are provided by Cambridge City Council to support voluntary and community organisations delivering activities that help prevent homelessness and rough sleeping across Cambridge.

The programme recognises the important role that community and voluntary organisations play in identifying people at risk of homelessness, providing early intervention, connecting residents with appropriate support services, and helping vulnerable individuals maintain stable accommodation.

Funding may support organisations whose work addresses local homelessness priorities and provides practical, effective, and sustainable interventions. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges facing people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Cambridge and explain how their proposed activities will make a meaningful difference.

Projects should be realistic, well planned, and supported by appropriate organisational structures and delivery capacity.

One of the key features of the programme is the potential for organisations to receive funding over more than one year, allowing successful projects to develop and deliver their activities with greater continuity.

The programme can provide:

Multi-year grants

Eligible projects may be considered for funding for up to two years. Multi-year support can be particularly suitable for established programmes that require sustained delivery to achieve their intended outcomes.

One-year grants

One-year grants may also be available, particularly for new initiatives, pilot projects, or activities where a shorter funding period is more appropriate.

Applicants should clearly state the proposed duration of their project and explain why that period is appropriate. The application should also demonstrate how the requested funding period will help the organisation achieve measurable outcomes.

The opportunity is aimed at voluntary and community organisations that meet Cambridge City Council's governance, financial, and other eligibility requirements.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their organisation has the necessary structures, experience, and capacity to manage grant funding responsibly and deliver the proposed activities effectively.

Eligible organisations should be able to demonstrate:

• Appropriate organisational governance: The organisation should have suitable management, oversight, policies, and decision-making arrangements in place.
• Sound financial arrangements: Applicants should demonstrate responsible financial management and the ability to manage grant funds appropriately.
• An established presence in Cambridge: Organisations should have a meaningful connection to and presence within the local community they intend to serve.
• Relevant experience: Applicants should demonstrate experience delivering activities relevant to homelessness prevention, housing support, community development, or related areas.
• Capacity to deliver the project: Organisations should have sufficient staff, volunteers, resources, and operational capacity to implement the proposed activities successfully.
• Understanding of local homelessness needs: Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of homelessness and housing-related challenges affecting people in Cambridge and explain how their project responds to those needs.

Applicants should carefully review the council's detailed eligibility criteria and application guidance before beginning their application, as additional requirements may apply.

Interested organisations should begin by reviewing the official Cambridge City Council guidance and confirming that they meet the eligibility requirements.

Applicants should then prepare the required information and supporting documents before completing the application through the council's designated application system.

To apply: Click on the application link provided on the official Cambridge City Council website and follow the instructions for submitting an application.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the stated deadline and ensure that all required information is complete and accurate.