Individuals

What are Catalyst Grants?

Catalyst Grants are grants to individuals to fund activities and resources that unlock opportunities, provide critical support and enhance well-being. They are designed to improve the quality of life and overall wellbeing of individuals and families with low-incomes who demonstrate a need for support and live in the Richmond Foundation area of benefit – TW9, TW10, SW13 and SW14. It operates on a model of trust and partnership, empowering trusted local support organisations, our Catalyst Partners, to make decisions on how grants are awarded to individuals in need of support.

How do I apply for a Catalyst Grant?

Applications for Catalyst Grants are made through our Catalyst Partners. If you are in need, please reach out to one of our trusted Catalyst Partners. They will assist you in determining eligibility and providing you with support and advice.

Who are our Catalyst Partners?

We have nine Catalyst Partners who you can contact for support and who distribute our Catalyst Grants. For further information, head over to our Catalyst Grants page.

Who is eligible for a Catalyst Grant?

Catalyst Grant recipients must be a resident of TW9, TW10, SW13, or SW14, or a Richmond care leaver. Applicants should not be able to afford the requested cost or activity and must apply directly to a Catalyst Partner.

Who can apply for an Education Catalyst grant?

We accept applications from eligible individuals who live in our catchment or work in the voluntary sector servicing our benefit area postcodes: TW9, TW10, SW13, SW14.

How much Education Catalyst Grant can I apply for towards my expenses while studying for a degree?

We expect undergraduates to access and fully utilise student finance options, including coverage for fees, maintenance, and any additional support. Comprehensive information about these options can be found here.

We also recommend exploring other financial resources such as bursaries and university hardship funds. Your university’s support services can provide valuable guidance on these opportunities.

If you find yourself facing a financial shortfall despite these efforts, and you have specific personal circumstances that make it challenging to take on part-time or holiday work, you may be eligible to apply for an education grant of up to £3,000 this year. You can make one application each year. Please note that the maximum amount available for undergraduate grants may vary from year to year and may decrease.

Can I apply for an Education Catalyst Grant towards post-graduate study or a second degree?

Our primary focus is to support individuals from low-education backgrounds who have not yet obtained a degree. Therefore, we do not typically offer grants for post-graduate studies or additional degrees. However, an exception may be made for those working in the voluntary and community sector who are seeking to upskill to meet a specific sector need. If this applies to you, please reach out to our Grants team to discuss your situation in more detail.

Can we apply for staff training?

Yes, our Education Catalyst grants can support staff training. The training should benefit both the staff and the school or voluntary sector organisation. We don’t normally fund training beyond degree Level 6. 

If my application is successful, when and how will I receive my Education Catalyst Grant?

Your grant would usually be available within 10 working days of the relevant Grants Committee meeting. In most cases, Richmond Foundation pays course fees directly to your training provider by BACS.

I’ve already paid a deposit. Can I apply for a grant to reimburse what I’ve paid?

We do not offer retrospective funding. We can’t reimburse you for payments you’ve already made towards course fees or other study costs.

What are Young Catalyst grants?

We provide Young Catalyst grants each year to every school in our benefit area: TW9, TW10, SW13, and SW14. Typically, these grants are used to subsidise residential journeys and class visits, for places at breakfast/after school/holiday clubs or other activities, towards uniform costs, and various therapies. We don’t decide how this is used; please direct any queries to your Headteacher.

Do you provide direct funding to children needing a Young Catalyst grant?

We do not accept direct applications for Young Catalyst grants from individuals. Instead, we distribute our funding directly to local schools. This allows the Headteacher to use their discretion in allocating support to disadvantaged students who need it most.

How can I find out if my child is eligible for this funding?

If you believe your child may be eligible for a Young Catalyst grant, please contact your child’s school. The headteacher will be able to provide information on how the grants are distributed and whether your child qualifies for assistance.