Debt Advice Modernisation Fund 2025/2026

To apply for a grant,  individual applicants and lead applications on behalf of a consortium must:

• Be Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Authorised

• Directly provide free to client debt advice 

• Demonstrates sound financial status

• Have turnover of less than:

  • Lot 1 - £1,999,999 

  • Lot 2 - £9,999,999

• Apply for a minimum grant funding of:

  • Lot 1: £15,000 up to £50,000.

  • Lot 2: £25,000 up to £100,000.

• Have the capability & capacity to spend funds awarded and complete activities by 31st March 2026

• Not submit a proposal that is already being funded, to avoid duplicative funding.

• Be located and provide free to client debt advice services within England only

Please note that this funding may be subject to change and withdrawal at any point during the competition window and application assessment process, up to decisions being communicated to applicants. This includes the right to close the competition prior to the advertised date if the fund appears to be over-subscribed.

The Debt Advice Modernisation Fund will support projects that establish the systems, tools, and processes necessary for modernising debt advice services. The key objectives of this fund are:

1. Enhance Service Delivery and AccessibilityTo improve both internal service delivery processes and the accessibility of debt advice services. This includes implementing new tools, technologies, and processes that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of advisers, while making services more accessible to clients, particularly those from vulnerable or underserved populations. This objective supports the adoption of digital platforms, remote services, case management tools, and physical accessibility improvements, ensuring that debt advice services are more efficient, scalable, and inclusive.

2. Drive Sustainable ChangeTo support lasting improvements in service delivery that extend beyond the funding period. This objective aims to ensure that the modernisation efforts lead to long-term, sustainable change in the sector, helping organisations build the capacity and systems needed to continue delivering high-quality debt advice beyond the immediate impact of the grant.

3. Foster InnovationTo encourage and fund innovative approaches to debt advice that address emerging challenges and evolving client needs. This includes promoting the adoption of new technologies, creative service delivery models, and forward-thinking strategies that enable organisations to stay adaptable and responsive to future demands in the debt advice sector.

Applications will open on Monday 19th May 2025 and close on Friday 13th June 2025, midday (4 weeks). Only one application per organisation can be made.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by Mid-July. The timeframe for assessment and award is indicative and subject to change, as it is dependent on the volume of applications received.

Grant Funding Period - to commence from 1st August 2025

All funding must be spent by 31st March 2026.

Eligible applicants are invited to submit an application by selecting Start new application on this advert. Please note that only one application per organisation will be accepted. You can begin your application and return to it at a later time through your 'Find and Apply for a Grant' account.The application process consists of the following seven sections:

1. Eligibility Statement: You will be required to agree to the eligibility criteria in order to proceed. Full details can be found in the 'Eligibility' and 'Summary' sections of the application form. Failure to agree to the criteria will prevent you from continuing with your application.

2. Due-Diligence Checks: To prevent fraud and ensure compliance, all applicants must provide certain details that will allow us to conduct due-diligence checks. The required information will vary based on your organisation type but should be quick to provide:• Organisation legal name• Organisation type (e.g. charity)• Registered address• Charity Commission number (if applicable)• Companies House number (if applicable)• Amount of funding requested• Intended expenditure of the fundingAdditionally, organisations will be asked to provide the following:• FCA Firm Reference Number (FRN)• Confirmation that you provide free debt advice to clients•Confirmation that your turnover is below:o Lot 1: £1,999,999o Lot 2: £9,999,999• Confirmation that your proposal meets the grant objectives and that you have the capacity and capability to deliver the project and expend the grant funds by 31st March 2026•Confirmation that your proposal is not funded by any other source.

3. Project Relevance / Problem Statement: Applicants must describe the specific problem or challenge their organisation is facing, which the proposal intends to address. This section should explain how the challenge impacts your debt advice services, clients, or operations. Applicants should also describe how the project aligns with the fund's objectives and specify which aspects of your service delivery will be improved or transformed.

4. Deliverability – Capacity: In this section, you will be asked to provide an overview of your project management approach, including the resources available within your organisation (e.g. staff, technology, infrastructure) and how these resources will be allocated during the project delivery period. You must also provide a delivery plan outlining timelines and milestones, and how you intend to ensure that the project is completed by 31st March 2026.

5. Deliverability – Capability: Organisations must outline any similar projects they have completed in the past that demonstrate their ability to successfully deliver projects like the one proposed. This section should include the impact these past projects had on improving your services or operations. You will also be asked to describe the skills, qualifications, and experience of the team that will be delivering the project. If you are working with external partners, you should explain their roles and contributions to the project.

6. Impact: Applicants will be asked to provide a clear description of the expected outcomes of their project and how these will improve the efficiency, effectiveness, or reach of their debt advice services. You will need to identify specific, measurable indicators of success. Additionally, describe how your project will create long-lasting benefits for your organisation and the communities you serve, and whether the improvements will be scalable or replicable in other services or areas.

7. Financial Methodology: You must complete and upload the 'Budget Toolkit' template available in the 'Supporting Documents' section of the application. Your budget should align with your project delivery plan and clearly outline how the grant funding will be used to support project activities.

8. Data Protection: Applicants will be asked to self-certify that their organisation complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), confirming that appropriate policies, procedures, and resources are in place. 

9. Insurance Coverage:  Organisations will be required to self-certify that they hold Employer’s Liability Insurance and disclose whether they also have the following insurance coverages:• Public Liability Insurance• Professional Liability Insurance•Product Liability Insurance

Application Deadline Applications must be submitted by the 13th of June 2025, and all projects must be completed and funding fully expended by 31st March 2026.

1. Delivery Plan MS Excel Template

2. Financial Methodology - Budget Management Tool MS Excel Template

3. Scoring Methodology

4. Sample Grant Funding Agreement

5. Pre-launch information event recording

6. Pre-launch information event slides 

7. Clarification Questions log