The Christmas Giving Fund

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Christmas Giving Fund

Helping make Christmas a little brighter across the Tees Valley

Christmas should be a special time for everyone. But for many individuals and families across our communities, the festive period can bring additional financial pressure and hardship.

Each year, we support local charities, organisations and schools with their Christmas campaigns, helping them provide much-needed support to people in their communities.

This year, we are opening our Christmas Giving Fund to applications from organisations and schools across the Tees Valley.

We want to hear from organisations that are supporting individuals and families who may otherwise struggle to experience the joy of Christmas.

What support is available?

We will provide support of up to £500 to successful applicants.

Support may be provided in the form of vouchers or financial assistance, depending on the nature of the request and what is most appropriate.

Funding could help with things such as:

  • Christmas gifts for children and families

  • Food and Christmas hampers

  • Supermarket or other essential vouchers

  • Christmas activities or experiences

  • Support for individuals or families experiencing financial hardship

  • Other Christmas initiatives that directly benefit people in the local community

We are particularly interested in applications that demonstrate a clear and meaningful benefit to people who may otherwise find Christmas a difficult or challenging time.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from charities, community organisations, voluntary organisations and schools supporting people within the Tees Valley.

You do not need to have received support from us previously, though you will need to provide references if this is your first time request for support.

Whether you are an organisation we have supported for many years, or an organisation we have not worked with before, we would love to hear about the Christmas support you are planning.

How much can I apply for?

You can apply for up to £500.

Please be aware that there is a finite amount of funding available, so we may not be able to support every application received.

We will consider applications based on the information provided, including the number of people who will benefit, the level of need and how the requested support will make a difference.

When can I apply?

Applications open: Friday 16th October 2026

Applications close: Friday 20th November 2026

Please note that, because the fund has a limited pot, applications may close earlier than 20th November if we receive a high volume of applications.

We therefore encourage organisations to apply as early as possible.

What will we ask you?

The application is designed to be straightforward. We will ask you to tell us:

  • About you and your organisation

  • Who you are hoping to support

  • Where in the Tees Valley you work

  • How many people you are hoping to help

  • What you are requesting support for

  • How the funding will make a difference to those people

We don't expect lengthy applications. We simply want to understand who you are supporting, what you are planning and why the support is needed.

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