General
Who do you mean by “newcomers to the UK”?
By newcomers to the UK we mean refugees, people seeking asylum and other migrants, including people with no recourse to public funds and unaccompanied minors. The fund is intended to support people who are establishing their lives in the UK and facing barriers to integration. It is not intended for organisations whose primary beneficiaries are temporary visitors, i.e international students.
What are you trying to achieve with this fund?
The fund seeks to address the long-term underfunding of Welcome and integration work. It is focused on strengthening the community-based infrastructure which promotes local provision, acceptance and support for Welcome. Funding cuts and toxic discourse have made it more challenging than ever to provide comprehensive support. Newcomers face not only systemic barriers, but also physical and social barriers to connection, recovery and belonging. We believe this fund is timely as there are tentative signs that the UK government may be more open to some aspects of Welcome. In March 2026, it promised the first ‘migrant integration strategy’ for two decades.
What outcomes or impacts are you looking for?
We are not prescriptive about outcomes or impacts. We are interested in how you think about, record and learn from the changes you see. Based on our research, we anticipate outcomes might include:
For people accessing Welcome support:
- Enhanced feelings of safety, confidence, wellbeing and belonging
- Improved access to essential needs, rights, entitlements, services
- Progress towards life ambitions – e.g. in education/employment
- More connections, friendships and participation in the local community
For grant holders:
- Strengthened organisational stability, resilience and capacity to plan
- Strengthened capacity to make local connections and collaborate
- Strengthened capacity to influence locally and advocate for Welcome
At a local systems level, we will be looking for strengthened Welcome networks as well as changes in policies, practices and attitudes that enhance the conditions for Welcome.
Why do we need a physical space?
New research on Welcome that we commissioned, alongside other evidence from the sector, highlights the value of safe, readily accessible physical spaces. These are reliable entry points to local support systems. They also enable people to build connections and friendships, helping them develop trust, reduce isolation and participate in community life.
Applicants must have ongoing, long-term access to safe, accessible physical spaces where their Welcome work is delivered. This is likely to be a building or similar permanent premises that you own, rent or have formal permission to use.
Do all three elements of Welcome work have to take place inside the physical space?
No. We do not require that all your work is delivered within your physical space. We understand that some work may have to be delivered elsewhere within the community, but we do require you to have that safe space available as a hub or focus for your Welcome work.
Can the physical space mean a number of drop-in rented spaces at particular times and places, rather than one premises?
We are looking for ongoing, long-term access to safe physical spaces. We are open to organisations/partnership that have this access to more than one space. We are not looking for ad hoc arrangements or arrangements that do not enable the integration of specialist support, social and community activities that we are looking for.
What size area do you expect organisations to cover?
We are not prescriptive about the size of area you cover, although we anticipate that the organisations and partnerships we fund will be established local hubs of support that have a well-defined role in the local ‘ecosystem’ of Welcome, for example providing Welcome across a city, town, district or region. We expect you will be able to support a sizeable, diverse community of newcomers with a variety of needs and we are interested in how you support the needs of different groups of people. We understand that people may need to travel to access the support they need, and we are interested in how you support them to do so.
Eligibility
How must the work show up in our charitable purposes and objectives? Can they include work with newcomers or must it be exclusively work with newcomers?
Newcomers should be the focus of your charitable purposes and objectives, as per our eligibility criteria that applicants “support newcomers as their charitable purpose, mission or objects”. We won’t fund organisations or partnerships that support newcomers as just one among many groups of people.
We are a local community centre. As part of our schedule of activities, we provide support services for newcomers to the UK, e.g. English conversation classes. Are we eligible?
Unfortunately, not. We are looking for organisations or partnerships whose charitable purpose and related activities are focused on newcomers to the UK.
We are open to partnerships which include local community centres, as long as the charitable purpose of the partnership and the lead organisation is supporting newcomers to the UK, and the partnership meets our other criteria.
Our organisation supports newcomers, but they are only one of the groups we work with. Are we eligible?
We assess the organisation applying for funding, not an individual project or service. To be eligible, the applicant’s charitable purpose, mission or governing objects must demonstrate that supporting newcomers to the UK is a core part of what the organisation exists to do. Organisations whose work with newcomers forms only one part of a broader charitable purpose are not eligible.
We work with a variety of communities: some that have recently arrived, others that may have been in the UK for months/years but may still require support to feel 'welcomed'. Is this work still eligible?
Yes. We understand that this work takes time and people’s support needs vary enormously over time. We do not require a specific focus on recent newcomers.
We are a mosque/church/temple that conducts worship services and runs a support service for newcomers to the UK. Are we eligible?
Unfortunately, not. We are looking for organisations or partnerships whose charitable purpose and related activities are focused on newcomers to the UK. In addition, this Fund doesn’t fund organisations whose primary charitable purpose is the advancement of religion.
We are open to partnerships which include local faith-based organisations, as long as the charitable purpose of the partnership and the lead organisation is supporting newcomers to the UK, and the partnership meets our other criteria.
Faith-based organisations may be included within partnerships where the lead organisation and partnership meet the fund’s eligibility criteria, provided the faith-based organisation is dedicating the funds they receive from the partnership to support newcomers and not using those funds for the advancement of religion.
We are an organisation or partnership working to support Welcome at the national level. Are we eligible?
Unfortunately, not. We are looking for organisations or partnerships rooted in their communities, with a local physical presence, and with strong connections with local stakeholders. We are interested in the role you play in the local ‘ecosystem’ of Welcome.
How much experience do applicants need?
Applicants must be able to demonstrate at least an 18-month track record of providing all three core elements of Welcome work outlined in the guidelines. We do not require that applicants physically deliver all services in-house as we recognise that in some cases it will be necessary to refer people to, or collaborate with, external specialists.
Does the 18-month requirement mean we must support each individual newcomer for at least 18 months?
No. The 18-month requirement relates to the organisation’s (or partnership’s) track record of delivering the three core elements of Welcome work. It does not relate to how long individual people receive support.
Does my organisation need to have a certain income to qualify?
No. We welcome applications from organisations or partnerships of all sizes and there are no minimum or maximum income thresholds, although we expect applicants to be able to demonstrate their capacity to manage a grant of this size. We recognise that an organisation’s income affects its capacity and fundraising ability, and we take this into account to support fair assessment.
Does the organisation needs to have managed a grant of this size before?
No, this is not a requirement. However, we do expect you to be able to demonstrate your capacity to manage a grant of this size.
We work outside the UK, can we apply?
Henry Smith Foundation does not fund any work outside the UK. Your organisation must be based in the UK. However, we can support organisations with UK-based project work, even if they also work overseas.
Will you fund work only with children and young people - e.g. unaccompanied minors – whose needs may differ from adults??
Yes. We will fund work that specialises in Welcome for children and young people if it meets our other criteria.
Will you accept applications for work with victims of trafficking, if the majority of the service users were newcomers to the UK?
Yes, as long as the organisation’s work focuses on newcomers to the UK and the majority of the support funded through this grant is delivered in the UK.
We’re not sure if we meet the criteria, can we speak to someone?
Absolutely. If you’re unsure whether your organisation is a good fit, we’re happy to talk it through. Call us on 020 7264 4970 or request a callback You can also email us at saferfutures@henrysmith.foundation
Partnerships and Collaboration
Can we apply as a partnership?
Yes. Evidence from partnership-working to support refugee integration has shown the value of coordinating the different skills and experiences of organisations so as to provide person-centred, holistic support. We welcome applications from established partnerships set up with the charitable purpose of supporting newcomers to the UK, if they can demonstrate how roles, responsibilities and delivery are coordinated. Partnerships must have a formal partnership agreement in place and a minimum of 18 months’ track record of joint delivery.
Only one organisation can be the lead applicant, and they must meet the eligibility criteria. If the application is successful, the lead organisation will receive the grant and distribute it among the partners. We will make only one grant per organisation or partnership.
How do you define a partnership?
We define a partnership as when two or more organisations come together and split any funding (such as this grant) between them to deliver the three elements of Welcome work. Working together through referrals, occasional joint projects or informal collaboration would not be sufficient for a partnership application. We are looking for established partnerships with shared governance and joint delivery over at least 18 months.
Will you fund new organisations, new work or new partnerships?
No. This fund is designed to strengthen and sustain existing services and organisations or partnerships dedicated to supporting newcomers. To be eligible you must have:
· At least 18 months’ track record providing all three core elements of Welcome work outlined in the guidance
· Your first set of published annual accounts
How important is local collaboration?
Strong collaboration with local stakeholders—such as councils, statutory agencies and other civil society organisations—is very important as part of the influencing work element of Welcome work. We are looking for organisations and partnerships embedded in their communities, who are connecting, championing and strengthening local Welcome ecosystems.
Types of Work We Fund
Why are you asking for three “core elements of Welcome work”?
Evidence from research we have commissioned and from previous Welcome and integration work shows the value of combining specialist help with activities supporting social connection and inclusion. For example, over time people move from being ‘service users’ into volunteering, employment or other forms of community participation. But we understand that for people to feel connected and a sense of belonging they first need practical assistance, often involving specialist expertise. At the same time, we know social connection reduces the isolation many people experience, so we want to back work connecting newcomers with each other and other residents, enabling shared experiences, friendship and solidarity. Alongside service delivery, we want to support organisations and partnerships that influence local practices, policies and cultures that strengthen Welcome.
What counts as specialist support?
This includes practical support such as regulated immigration advice (IAA-accredited), support with other rights and entitlements, housing and destitution, healthcare and refugee-oriented therapeutic trauma support, education and employment. It also includes work that is culturally specific, for example women-only or LGBT+ services. Services can be delivered in-house or through robust referrals.
Organisations do not need to deliver every specialist service themselves. However, we would normally expect applicants to deliver a significant proportion of specialist support directly, with trusted referral pathways complementing their Welcome offer where appropriate.
Are we required to deliver immigration or legal advice? And can we use this funding to develop this work?
No, we do not require you to deliver all specialist support yourselves. However, we do expect that immigration advice is available, either in-house or through trusted referral pathways. We are open to organisations using the funds to develop or expand their offering of specialist support.
Do we need to deliver all specialist services ourselves?
No. We anticipate that grant holders will have sufficient in-house experience and expertise to deliver some if not all support services. And we understand that accessing specialist support may require grant holders to refer people elsewhere. Referral pathways must be reliable, through trusted partners with appropriate expertise and experience to meet people’s needs.
Do we have to be involved in all elements of Welcome- specialist support, belonging and influencing work - to an equal degree?
No. We do not require an equal distribution of time and money between the three elements of Welcome. We appreciate that the different elements of support typically require different levels of resources. However, we are looking for sustained, significant contributions to each element of Welcome work.
What do you mean by influencing work?
We interpret this broadly. Influencing work may include work with a variety of local stakeholders to improve local conditions for Welcome. For example, it may include, but is not limited to, advocacy and engagement with local policymakers and statutory agencies to improve local practices and policies, reduce barriers to participation, and create more positive conditions for local Welcome.
Equally, it may involve public education and engagement work that builds support for Welcome, engaging with local educators and employers, or strengthening coordination between third sector organisations and statutory partners.
Influencing does not require organisations to run national campaigns or employ dedicated policy staff. It may simply involve improving local services, strengthening partnerships and referral pathways, amplifying newcomer voices, or working with local authorities and other stakeholders to improve local Welcome.
Can the influencing be at national level; parliamentary work or media work, or does it have to be local only?
We are primarily interested in how your influencing work improves the conditions for Welcome in your local community. We are open to national-level work as we understand that may have a knock-on effect on local conditions. But that should not be the only influencing work you do. We will prioritise work at the local level.
What does “enabling belonging” look like in practice?
This includes social and community activities that provide regular opportunities for connection and relationship-building between newcomers and other residents. This may include shared cultural, arts or sports activities, volunteering, community-led events, or other approaches that foster trust and sustained relationships, such as linking into community sponsorship schemes. We are looking for work that is sustained over time and builds enduring connections. Evidence suggests a strong desire among newcomers to participate in society and feel like they are contributing, particularly through volunteering. Social activities involving newcomers often serve as entry points to more practical or specialist support services.
Would you fund both virtual and in-person delivery across these three programme areas?
We are open to both, although the fund does have an emphasis on bringing people together in a physical space and we believe that social and community activities are most effective when delivered in person. If the people you support have expressed a preference for a particular delivery model, we would support that. We want to fund person-centred, culturally competent work that is shaped and led by the people you support.
Priorities and Assessment
What should we focus on when making the application?
Focus on why you are the right organisation for this fund, on how you fit the fund’s criteria and objectives, and how you contribute to the local ecosystem of Welcome. We also want to hear about how you enable the people you support to shape and lead your work.
How important is lived experience?
Very important. We will prioritise organisations or partnerships that can demonstrate how they enable the people with lived experience that they support to meaningfully shape, inform, or lead their work or their organisations. This is about participation and agency. We want to understand how the people accessing Welcome support have the opportunity to influence the design, delivery and strategy of the work that directly affects them.
Do you prioritise certain geographic areas?
We aim for a broad spread of funded organisations across the UK, including both urban and rural contexts.
Practicalities
What time commitment do you expect from funded organisations for non-grant related activities like networking, convening or policy activities?
We plan to offer optional opportunities for funded organisations to connect, learn and share experiences, potentially supported by a learning or movement-building partner. Participation in these activities will not be a condition of the grant.
Do I need to provide evidence of my physical space or partnership agreement at EOI stage?
No. At EOI stage we ask you to describe your organisation, partnership and Welcome work. If you are invited to submit a full application, we will ask for further information, including partnership governance where applicable.
What are the reporting requirements for the grant?
Please refer to the funding guidelines. Reporting will involve an annual report to release the next payment, an annual learning check-in, a mid-grant visit and a final report. Our emphasis with our reporting will be on learning rather than compliance, and you will be able to discuss reporting in your grant set-up call with your grant manager.
We’re a current grant holder, can we apply?
Yes. If you currently hold another Henry Smith Foundation grant you can apply for this fund. You can only hold one grant from this specific Fund.
Can I use AI to help with my application?
That’s up to you. We will not reject an application because AI was used. However, applications that rely too heavily on AI can sound generic or vague and may lack the specificity and authenticity that helps us understand what makes your work distinctive. AI can be helpful, but your voice and experience matter. See more on using AI in applications.