Nottingham City Council has officially opened applications for a major £21.2 million Government-funded programme designed to support residents facing financial hardship while building stronger, more resilient communities.
The new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which runs until March 2029, will deliver around £7 million each year across Nottingham, providing immediate help for those in crisis alongside longer-term support to prevent financial difficulties.
The fund is designed to support both residents and Nottingham’s voluntary and community sector.
From today, 26 May, residents can access a range of support services, while community groups, charities and voluntary organisations can apply for funding to deliver local support in neighbourhoods across the city.
The fund will deliver support through four key areas:
- Crisis payments for residents facing urgent financial difficulties
- Housing support to help people stay in their homes
- Resilience services to improve long-term financial stability
- Community coordination to strengthen local support networks
A key feature of the programme is its focus on accessibility and early intervention. A dedicated CRF website has launched alongside the fund, introducing a streamlined “no wrong door” approach to support.
Residents can now:
- Apply for help and assistance online, including emergency financial support and referrals to advice services such as Advice Nottingham
- Access a free benefit checker, helping identify unclaimed benefits and linking directly to application routes
- Get connected to the right support quickly, through a single online form and referral system
Emergency payments for residents in immediate financial crisis will continue to be available, subject to appropriate checks.
Community groups, voluntary organisations and charities can now apply for funding through the CRF’s community grants programme.
The scheme will invest directly in neighbourhoods, enabling local organisations to deliver targeted support, help residents facing hardship, and strengthen existing community networks.
A new community grants directory is also available, bringing together funding opportunities in one place and making it easier for organisations to find and apply for support. Funding will be allocated through regular application rounds over the next three years.
The CRF replaces the previous Household Support Fund but goes further by enabling longer-term planning, stronger partnerships, and more sustainable support for communities across the city.
Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Today marks an important step in how we support Nottingham residents. The Crisis and Resilience Fund allows us to continue providing vital emergency help, while also investing in long-term solutions that help people avoid reaching crisis point in the first place.
“Just as importantly, we are putting resources directly into our communities. I would strongly encourage local organisations, charities and grassroots groups to apply and play a leading role in delivering this support across Nottingham.
“We know the voluntary and community sector is at the heart of our city, and this funding will help strengthen those networks while ensuring residents can access the right support quickly and easily.”
Applications for community grants are now open, with funding being allocated through regular rounds over the next three years.
Residents and organisations can find out more, apply for support, or explore funding opportunities via the CRF website.