Cash-first payments for heating and eating grants

Posted on 6th January 2026

From 1st of January 2026, Longleigh will pilot a cash-first approach for our Heating and Eating Grants. For six months, we will pay grants as direct cash payments into grantees’ bank accounts, either by bank transfer or through Charis Pay.

This approach gives grantees flexibility and choice to decide how to use the money for their individual situation. This might include paying energy bills, buying food, or purchasing items to stay warm, such as an electric blanket. The only requirement is that the funding supports heating and eating needs.

Importantly, the pilot supports Goal 1 of Longleigh’s strategy: innovate to deliver even more meaningful impact, with a focus on high-quality, flexible, resident-led funding. It also reflects our commitment to test new approaches and learn what works best for grantees.

As Charlotte Dicks, Head of Grants at Longleigh, explains:

“This pilot is about trusting people to know what they need and offering flexibility to respond to individual circumstances. We understand how important it is to give people dignity and choice through cash support. At the same time, we want to learn how to deliver funding in the most effective, resident-led way.”

Our approach is trust based and dignity led. In addition, UK research shows that cash-first support improves flexibility, reduces stigma, and helps people respond more effectively to their needs. For example, insights from The Trussell Trust and Resolve Poverty highlight the value of giving people control over their own support.

After six months, we will review the pilot. We will look at how people use the funding and the difference it makes. We will then use this learning to shape how Longleigh delivers grant funding in the future.

Finally, we are committed to sharing what we learn and continuing to improve support for grantees facing financial hardship.

If you have any questions, please email grants@longleigh.org.