Deadline today for funding to help keep Derbyshire warm this winter 

Community groups across Derbyshire are being offered free financial support to help tackle fuel poverty and keep residents warm this winter, thanks to National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED).

Funding is being made available to run warm spaces and improve the energy efficiency of community buildings such as village halls that host them. 

NGED is also looking to support local projects that: 

• Distribute practical items such as blankets, insulated curtains, and draught excluders for home use 

• Visit isolated households to help improve energy efficiency and warmth 

• Provide advice on tariff switching, energy saving, winter fuel discounts, or other fuel poverty support 

Registered charities and non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from NGED’s Community Matters Fund before 5pm on 24 October. Smaller, constituted community groups without a charity number can apply for up to £2,000. 

Applications can be made via the Localgiving website: localgiving.org/community-matters-fund-energy-affordability 

Ellie Patey, NGED’s Social Impact Business Partner, said: 

“We want to support grassroots organisations that are helping people stay warm this winter, particularly those facing cost-of-living pressures. 

“We’re keen to back projects that leave a lasting legacy – for example, helping people save money on their energy bills in a sustainable way.” 

NGED is making £500,000 available through this autumn’s funding round. Successful applicants will be informed by late November, with funds distributed before December. Projects must be completed and funding spent by 31 March 2026. 

The Community Matters Fund has already awarded £11.8 million to more than 2,100 grassroots organisations across the country. 

This initiative forms part of National Grid’s wider commitment to energy affordability. The company also works year-round with trusted partners through schemes such as Power Up and Affordable Warmth, provides targeted assistance in collaboration with Kidney Care UK and the Fuel Bank Foundation, and supports warm community spaces through the Warm Welcome campaign. 

National Grid operates the electricity distribution network for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales, supplying around eight million customers. 

For power cuts, call 105 free of charge, 24 hours a day. Vulnerable customers can also sign up to the Priority Services Register for extra help during power cuts: nationalgrid.co.uk/customers-and-community/priority-services