The Barnes Fund grants: what they fund and how to apply

Funder Last checked 11 July 2026

The Barnes Fund gives grants to organisations and individuals that help people in Barnes, south-west London (broadly SW13). It supports those on low incomes, older people, disabled people and community, recreation and education projects. Organisations apply online; individuals apply through a referral agency.

What the fund funds

The Barnes Fund exists to support the community of Barnes, especially people with the greatest need. It funds:

  • Local organisations and charities that support older people or their carers, people on low incomes, disabled people or people in poor physical or mental health, and projects offering recreation, leisure or education for Barnes residents.
  • Individuals in hardship — for example help with utility bills, essential household items, furniture, school trips or uniform, and food vouchers.
  • Individuals needing support for education.

It does not fund national charities, and it will not pay for things the state should provide.

How much you can apply for

For individuals, the fund’s policy is to award up to £500 in any one year (as one or more grants), and up to £1,500 over three years. The £500 limit can be exceeded at the trustees’ discretion — for example for carpets. Grants to individuals are normally paid directly to the supplier, not to the person. The fund does not publish a set grant size for organisations, so contact it before you apply.

Who can apply

You must help people who live in the Barnes benefit area — broadly the SW13 postcode, with some streets in SW14 and SW15. Your organisation does not need to be based in Barnes, but it must reach and assist Barnes residents. Individuals must live in the catchment area and be on a low income, on benefits, receiving help with rent or council tax, or living on a state pension or similar.

Deadlines and rounds

The grants committee, representing the trustees, meets in February, May, July and October. You can apply at any time, but to be considered at a meeting an organisation application must be received by 7 January, 6 April, 6 June or 6 September. Requests for individual grants are usually dealt with within two to five days, though complex cases can take longer.

How to apply

Organisations apply online using one of two forms: a core funding grant form or a specific project grant form. Individuals cannot apply directly; a local referral agency — such as Age UK Richmond, Richmond AID, Citizens Advice Richmond, a school, church, social worker or housing provider — applies on their behalf. Questions can go to the Executive Director at executivedirector@thebarnesfund.org.uk or 07484 146802.

Tips

  • Check the eligibility map first — the boundary is tighter than “SW13” and being just outside it means an automatic no.
  • Show clearly how many Barnes residents your work reaches; the fund asks for this in its follow-up reporting.
  • If you are an individual, contact one of the listed referral agencies rather than the fund directly — it is the only route in.
  • Time an organisation application to the deadline before the next meeting (7 January, 6 April, 6 June, 6 September).

Official source and last updated

Last updated: July 2026. Always check the fund’s own pages before applying: thebarnesfund.org.uk (Charity Commission no. 200103).

Recent grants

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Similar funders

  • Richmond Parish Lands Charity — grants in Richmond, Ham, Petersham and Kew.
  • Hampton Fund — grants in the Hampton area of Richmond.
  • Your local community foundation for wider south-west London funding.

Check if your charity is eligible for funders like this — CharityIQ’s free Grant Finder matches your charity to real, published UK funders and cites the source for each. → /grant-finder/

Frequently asked questions

It funds two groups. First, organisations and local charities that help Barnes residents — for example older people, people on low incomes, disabled people and community, recreation or education projects. Second, individuals in Barnes who are in financial hardship or who need help with education. National charities are not funded.

Organisations can apply directly using the fund's online forms at any time. Individuals cannot apply directly. Grants to individuals in hardship are made only after a referral from a local agency, such as Age UK Richmond, Richmond AID, Citizens Advice Richmond, a school, church, social worker or housing provider.

Only in the Barnes area of south-west London — broadly the SW13 postcode, with some streets in SW14 and SW15. Your organisation does not have to be based in Barnes, but it must reach and help Barnes residents. It is not a UK-wide funder.

For individuals, the policy is up to £500 in any one year (in one or more grants), and up to £1,500 over three years. That cap may be exceeded at the trustees' discretion, for example for carpets. Organisation grant sizes are not published; ask the fund before applying.

The grants committee meets in February, May, July and October. To be considered at a meeting, organisation applications must arrive by 7 January, 6 April, 6 June or 6 September. Individual referral requests are usually handled within two to five days.