Applications for the grants, which are available for projects that help people avoid, manage, and recover from financial crises, are now open and will close on Sunday, 22 November at 5pm. Grants of up to £15,000 are available.
The scheme is part of the council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), funded by the UK Government. Projects should focus on crisis prevention, helping individuals maximise income, reduce debt, build financial resilience, or navigate existing support systems, rather than providing ongoing emergency aid.
Medway Voluntary Action (MVA) has been commissioned to manage applications through its Social Impact Gateway (SIG) affiliate programme. Organisations must be SIG affiliates to apply, with free sign-up available on the MVA website.
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, expressed pride in launching the scheme, stating it will empower local organisations to develop new ways to help people and boost existing projects. He added, "We are using the Crisis and Resilience Fund in Medway to bring about real change in people’s lives and help to build them up – and if you think your organisation can play your part in that then make sure you apply for this funding today."
Jack Packman, Chief Executive of MVA, welcomed the investment, highlighting the opportunity for local organisations to make a significant difference. He noted, "Building financial resilience is about more than responding to immediate hardship; it’s about helping people develop the confidence, skills and support networks they need to navigate future challenges."
In addition to the grant scheme, Medway Council has also used the CRF to establish the Chatham Community Supermarket, which opened in October 2026 and served over 1,200 customers in its first week, saving nearly 2.8 tonnes of food from landfill. Residents in crisis can also apply for support through the council’s Crisis Payment Scheme.
