Funding to Modernise Free Debt Advice Services in England

The Government is providing grant funding for projects that aim to modernise debt advice services, enhancing the quality assurance, accessibility, and effectiveness of service delivery. Activities and expenditures must be completed by 31 March 2026.

Eligible project areas include, but are not limited to:

• Digital Transformation: Adoption of new technologies such as mobile apps, AI-driven tools, or digital self-service platforms to enhance advice delivery and efficiency.
• Access and Inclusion: Expanding access to debt advice for underserved or vulnerable populations, such as individuals with disabilities, language barriers, or those in geographically remote areas.
• Operational Modernisation: Streamlining internal processes, improving case management, or developing tools to increase the efficiency and scalability of services.
• Workforce Development: Enhancing staff skills by providing training in wellbeing, digital, and technical competencies to improve modern service delivery.

Proposals must ensure that there is an innovative or modernisation component.

Proposals focused solely on ongoing operational costs will not be considered.

Funding available for 2025/26:

• Lot 1: Grants of between £15,000 and £50,000.
• Lot 2: Grants of between £25,000 and £100,000.

Funding to start from 1 August 2025 with projects completed by 31 March 2026. Grants will be paid in arrears based on milestones.

Registered not-for-profits organisations, such as charities or community interest companies (CICs), who directly provide free debt advice to clients in England can apply as long as they:

• Are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide debt counselling and adjusting services.
• Have an annual turnover of less than:
  • Lot 1: £2 million (verified by Charity Commission annual accounts).
  • Lot 2: £10 million (verified by Charity Commission annual accounts). 

Both individual organisations and consortiums may apply.

The deadline for applications is 13 June 2025 (12 noon).

For more information and to apply click the following link –Debt Advice Modernisation Fund 2025/2026 – GOV-UK Find a grant