Routes Home Fund puts lived experience at the heart of homelessness funding

Applications are open for the Routes Home Fund, which puts people with first-hand experience of homelessness at the centre of decisions about funding.

Powered by Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, in partnership with The Charity Service and the Booth Centre, the fund will provide £12,500 in funding over a 12-month period to eligible organisations working to tackle homelessness in Greater Manchester.

The fund’s priorities have been identified by a committee made up of people with lived experience of homelessness and people who have accessed homelessness services. Committee members will review applications and make funding decisions.

The priorities include:

• Safe accommodation

• Support relating to No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

• Building community, reducing isolation and empowering people who access services

Anne, CEO of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:

“Listening must lead to action. People with first-hand experience understand where support is needed and what can make a difference. The Routes Home Fund gives them a meaningful role in setting priorities and deciding where funding goes. We hope it helps local organisations respond to the needs people tell us about.”

Who can apply?

The fund is open to registered charities, community interest companies (CICs) and constituted community groups that:

• Have been registered or active for at least three years

• Have a track record of providing services or activities that tackle homelessness in Greater Manchester

• Have annual expenditure of no more than £1 million

Applications close at 4pm on Friday 13 November 2026. The Charity Service will review applications and carry out due diligence before the committee considers them.

For eligibility details and information on how to request an application form, visit the Routes Home Fund page.