What are Changing Lives Grants?

What are Changing Lives Grants?

Changing Lives grants help people experiencing homelessness to progress into education, employment and to start up small businesses in a range of industries. With grants ranging from £250 to £5,000, we support around 70 Crisis members each year to access the tools and equipment, start training and pursue qualifications needed to achieve their ambition.

Changing Lives began in 2002 as an innovative programme that empowered people with lived experience of homelessness to build confidence and take greater control of their futures. As we approach our 20th year, the programme has supported over 3,500 people to take steps to leave homelessness behind for good.

"The grant scheme has really helped me I feel more confident about the future and knowing I am working towards a recognisable qualification. After this I hope to find paid work and set up my own business" Lisa​

Our grant streams

Examples of goals supported: 

Fashion designers / Artists / Commercial drivers / Construction workers & professionals / Food & drink start-ups

Examples of courses funded: 

Counselling & Mediation training / HND Interior design / LGV Class 1&2 / Cycle maintenance courses / Cyber security IT courses

Examples of items funded: 

Laptops / Insurance / Textbooks / Professional website design / Travel & accommodation for 1-off training needs / SIA security license fees

Good to know: Your Lead Worker is responsible for an awarded grant - funding is not given directly to an applicant. Decisions are usually made within 6 weeks and spending must take place within 6 months. 

Interested in applying?

To apply you must be a Crisis member, ready to progress towards your goal, and have the right to live and work in the UK.

You can become a Crisis member if you are currently homeless or at risk of being homeless and we work in your area. Find out where we work. 

If you are already a Crisis Member - talk to your Lead Worker or email, Lloyd & Dave at changing.lives@crisis.org.uk

Got an idea you'd like to develop before you apply?

Explore it with us at an Idea Clinic

Next application deadlines for Education, Business and Employment

25 October

29 November

20 December

Fast Track applications can be submitted anytime