Proactive Outreach to Migrant Communities

(Afghan Refugees)

Grant - Guidance and Criteria

Merton Giving is offering grants of up to £3,500 to support recently resettled Afghan refugees in Merton. Projects should offer holistic support, emotional wellbeing, psychological recovery and community integration. We especially want to reach people referred through the NHS or resettlement pathways.

We have a total of £14,000 to distribute.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 30 November 2026. We will inform you of the outcome of your application by Monday 14 December 2026. Successful projects can start from Monday 4 January 2027.


If you have any questions about eligibility, criteria, or the application process, please email us at hello@mertongiving.co.uk

Who can apply?

Charities, not-for-profit organisations, and CICs who are already working with recently resettled Afghan refugees registered in Merton. Your organisation must:

  • Be based in, or have a track record of delivering services in, Merton, for the benefit of Merton residents
  • Have a track record of working with Afghan refugees (and be able to evidence this)
  • Have a trustee or management board consisting of at least three members who are not related to one another
  • Have the training, experience, qualifications and knowledge to deliver the service requirements outlined in its application

The following organisation types are eligible to apply:

  • Registered Charity - Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
  • Registered Charity - Charitable Company (limited by guarantee)
  • Registered Charity - Unincorporated Organisation
  • Registered Charity - Trust
  • Community Interest Company
  • Constituted, non-registered Group/Club/Society

The following organisation types are not eligible to apply:

  • Individuals
  • Schools, colleges, and universities, including academies
  • Statutory Agencies e.g., Local Authorities, Health Authorities
  • Profit-making businesses

What can you apply for? 

Projects that deliver holistic outreach support, emotional wellbeing, psychological recovery, and community integration. You are already working with this community, so in your application, we want you to tell us what is needed and what works, with evidence of the needs you seek to address, and how you know your proposal will be effective.

How much can you apply for? 
You can apply for grants of up to £3,500. If you are applying as part of a partnership bid, you can apply for up to £3,500 per organisation (e.g. if you are applying as a partnership of three organisations, you can apply for up to £10,500, with up to £3,500 going to each organisation).

Who is the target group? 

The target group for this service is Afghan refugees resettled in Merton, particularly those referred through NHS or resettlement pathways, targeting:

  • Adults experiencing trauma related to war, conflict, or displacement
  • Individuals with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or grief
  • Women affected by gender-based violence or family separation
  • Young adults struggling with cultural adjustment
  • Individuals facing isolation, language barriers, or integration challenges

What we can’t fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Activity that is the statutory responsibility of a public body
  • Costs already incurred before a grant is awarded and the funding agreement signed
  • Political activity or campaigning to change the law or government policy
  • Promotion of religion or belief (we welcome applications from faith-based organisations for activity that is open to all, regardless of belief)
  • Deficit funding — meeting an existing shortfall or paying off debts
  • Items already funded by another grant programme

AI STATEMENT

We recognise that AI tools can be useful for efficiency and saving time. However, we encourage applicants to use their own words where possible when completing this application. The true value of your organisation’s work is best captured through your unique language, experiences and perspectives, which help us gain a deeper understanding of your impact.

How can you Apply?

Please fill out the application form here: Online application

You can see a copy of the application form here, so that you can see the questions before you apply: PDF Download

As part of the application process, you will need to email us the following supporting documents before the application deadline:

  • Project budget
  • Safeguarding policy
  • Most recent annual accounts
  • Evidence of organisation type (examples are listed on the application form)
  • Any other supporting documents that are relevant for your application