Grants of up to £7,500 are available to support organisations working with people over 65 living with dementia in disadvantaged areas across Great Britain.
The programme supports practical initiatives such as memory cafés, dementia clubs and carer support.
At a glance
Funder: McCarthy Stone Foundation
Maximum grant: £7,500
Deadline: 13 March 2026
Location: England, Scotland and Wales
Eligible organisations: Charities, CICs limited by guarantee, community organisations (income under £250,000)
About the fund
The McCarthy Stone Foundation was launched in 2020 as an independent charitable organisation. The Foundation delivers a grants programme focused on supporting older people.
This programme prioritises organisations working with people over 65 living with dementia in areas of deprivation. Eligible areas have been identified using national data, with a focus on income deprivation and loneliness affecting older people.
Applicants should check the Foundation website to confirm whether their location is eligible.
What the programme supports
The fund aims to support:
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Dementia memory cafés
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Dementia clubs
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Carer support courses
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Other services directly assisting people over 65 living with dementia
Over 20 dementia clubs and memory cafés are expected to be supported through this round.
Funding can be used for both core and project costs. CICs cannot apply for core cost funding.
Match funding is not required.
Who can apply
Eligible organisations must:
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Be a community organisation, registered charity, exempt charity or CIC limited by guarantee
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Have an annual income under £250,000
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Have a governing document
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Have a bank account in the organisation’s name
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Be working with adults over 65 living with dementia and/or their carers
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Be operating in a deprived area listed by the Foundation
Not eligible
The following are not eligible for funding:
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Organisations with income over £250,000
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Infrastructure or connector services (for example Citizens Advice or community transport)
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Individuals
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Public bodies carrying out statutory duties
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Privately owned, profit-distributing companies
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Activities that have already taken place
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Grant-making organisations
Religious activity must demonstrate wider public benefit.
How to apply
The closing date for applications is 13 March 2026. Applications will be reviewed in late April.
Full guidance and the online application form are available on the McCarthy Stone Foundation website.
