Cornwall Carers Service

Grants for Carers

Apply for a Grant today

We know that caring can bring unexpected costs and financial pressure. That's why we offer grant funding to help unpaid carers across Cornwall access the support they need. Whether you need help with household essentials, wellbeing activities, support groups, or emergency situations, there are grants available to make your caring journey easier.

  • Using new washing machine via grant scheme

    Cornwall Carers Grants

    What's Available:

    Carers Resilience Enablement Grant - Emergency support for unexpected costs and urgent situations.

    Support Groups Grant - Funding for carer and memory support groups.

    These grants are specifically for carers in Cornwall.

    Learn more and apply online
  • Old couple reading a book together outdoors.

    Carers Trust Microgrant

    National support through our network partnership

    What's Available:

    Up to £100 for items or activities that benefit you in your caring role

    As a Carers Trust Network Partner, Cornwall Carers Service can help you apply for this national grant fund.

    Learn more about the Carers Trust Microgrant

Making a Real Difference to Carers Across Cornwall

Our grants programme helps carers when they need it most - whether that's an emergency situation, building stronger support networks, or simply taking a much-needed break.

  • Emergency Support When It Counts

    When essential equipment breaks down or urgent needs arise, our Carers Resilience Enablement Grant provides fast support - assessed within just 5 working days. From replacing broken washing machines to funding emergency respite care, we help carers continue in their vital role without added financial pressure.

  • Building Stronger Communities

    Our Support Groups Grants have helped establish memory cafés and carer support groups across Cornwall, bringing people together to share experiences, reduce isolation, and build lasting friendships. From funding room hire to workshops and activities, these grants create spaces where carers and those they support can thrive.

  • Supporting Young Carers

    Schools across Cornwall have used our grants to set up young carers groups, providing wellbeing boxes, arts and crafts activities, and supporting young carers to attend events like the Young Carers Festival. These grants help young people feel less alone in their caring role and connect with others who understand.

Frequently Asked Questions on Grants

  • You can apply if you're an unpaid, informal carer in Cornwall who is caring for someone due to illness, disability, mental health condition, or age. For the Carers Resilience Enablement Grant, you must have a supporting referral and endorsed by Cornwall Carers Service or another recognised carer support organisation. For the Memory Support Groups Grant, your group or organisation (formal or informal) must support carers or people with memory impairment.

  • The Carers Resilience Enablement Grant is assessed within 5 working days of receiving your completed application and supporting documents.

    Decisions are made as quickly as possible to ensure you get urgent support when you need it most. Processing times for Support Groups Grants may vary.

  • Yes, you may be eligible for different grants depending on your situation. Individual carers can apply for the Carers Resilience Enablement Grant and the Carers Trust Microgrant. Support groups can apply for the Carer and Memory Support Groups Grant.

    However, each grant has specific eligibility criteria and funding limits.


  • The Carers Resilience Enablement Grant is for emergency or unexpected situations - like essential equipment breakdowns, urgent household needs, or emergency short breaks.

    The Carers Trust Microgrant (up to £100) is a grant to help with challenges due to the increased cost of living.

  • All of our grants require proof of purchase in the form of receipts. Together with feedback, which is a requirement of our funders and also helps us demonstrate the impact of these grants. Feedback forms are available online for each grant.

  • Carer and Memory Support Groups: Established groups can receive up to £2,250 per year. New groups can apply for an additional £500 to help with start-up costs.

  • Support group grants cannot pay for individual travel expenses or food and drink. Each grant has specific terms and conditions that outline what can and cannot be funded. We recommend reviewing the terms and conditions document for each grant before applying.

  • For the Carers Resilience Enablement Grant, your application will need to be endorsed by Cornwall Carers Service or another recognised carer support organisation. A professional must sign off your application.

    For the Carers Trust Microgrant, applications must be submitted through Cornwall Carers Service.

    Support group applications typically require a reference form to be completed.

  • Support groups must have at least 4 members to be eligible for funding. This applies to both new groups applying for start-up funding and established groups applying for sustainability grants.

  • You'll need to register with Cornwall Carers Service to access our grants.

    Registration gives you access to a wide range of support services, including grants, emotional support, information and advice, and carer-specific training.

    You can register online through the Self Referral Form on our website or by calling 01736 756655.

Unsure and need Help Choosing?

If you have questions about grant eligibility, the application process, or which grant is right for you, our grants team is here to help.

Call Us