Our Policy

We make once only relief payments usually to a maximum of £120.

Our Priorities

Priority is given to those:

  • who are destitute or have no income or benefits
  • who are particularly vulnerable
  • where amounts up to £120 will make a major difference

Grants are NOT made

  • to cover debt
  • to pay scholarships, university or college fees
  • to individuals living outside the United Kingdom
  • to projects run by other charities, except for one small project in another part of the world from funds raised specifically for that project.

WHO MAY APPLY?

Anyone in the United Kingdom who is destitute and desperate, irrespective of faith, ethnic origin or social group, can apply to the fund.  

Individuals may apply to the Fund for Human Need for assistance, but it is desirable that whenever possible applications are made through a recognised organisation such as a registered charity, church, community group, housing association or NHS trust.

When a personal application is made, we may ask for a copy of identity documentation.

WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED?

Details of income (including wages, benefits or other support) and outgoings (housing, food and clothing, travel and other expenses) and how a payment would make a difference should one be provided.

HOW IS HELP GIVEN?

Normally payment is made by bank transfer.  The payee (the organisation or person to whom the award is payable) must hold a standard UK bank account.  The name of the account should be clearly given. Organisations are asked to submit a maximum of two applications per month and to note the details required and the priorities stated.

Most payments are made through a registered organisation.  Some personal applicants may not have a bank account and will need to nominate an organisation or person who receive an award.

CAN AN ASYLUM SEEKER APPLY?

An asylum seeker who is receiving an asylum allowance must apply through a recognised organisation (such as a registered charity, church, community group, housing association or NHS trust) which is able to receive the payment and organise any purchases on behalf of the applicant.

Asylum seekers and organisations should be aware that if a direct payment is made to the asylum seeker the Government can deduct it from relief payments. It may also affect any claim they make / are making for asylum relief.

WHEN ARE PAYMENTS MADE?

We aim to respond to applications within a month or less.

The meeting at which payments are allocated is normally held towards the end of each month and awards ditributed on/ around the 1st of the following month, but where even a small delay will obviously cause additional distress we try to reply within a few days.  

We reply to everyone who applies as soon as possible after each awards meeting, either by email or letter.

Apply Now

The application form can be downloaded here as a Word Document or PDF.  The form can be sent by post or email to the administrator at fhn.apply@gmail.com  Postal Address: 6 Newlands Road, Darlington, Co Durham, DL3 9JL (Other information or help from:  Administrator, Mrs G Mason. Email: fundhumanneed@gmail.com)

Alternatively an email application may be sent to fhn.apply@gmail.com. In order to be processed the email must contain:

Organisation contact details (Required for anyone in the immigration, asylum / refugee system) including email and postal addresses

Applicant contact details, including email and postal addresses.

Reason for applying

Details of any income benefits per week or month (as much details as possible)

Details of any bills or outgoings per week or month (as much details as possible)

Full Bank account details for any award.

Please note: due to the number of applications received it is not possible to acknowledge receipt, however please contact us for information on progress. (Our awards meeting is at the end of each month, applications need to be completed 5 working days before the month end to be included)