Cost of living guidance and advice grant
Are you an existing organisation, supporting Hampshire residents with guidance or advice services on budgeting, finances, maximising income as well as accessing other help with food or fuel? Grants are available for established organisations to deliver additional cost of living related support in Hampshire
Please note that any financial advice services will need to be provided by a qualified and regulated individual or online by a regulated organisation, in accordance with the FCA requirements.
Eligibility
According to the Money and Pension Service, In the context of money, giving “Advice” is a regulated activity. Only firms that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) can offer this.
The Money Guidance Competency Framework is for non-regulated money guidance. A helpful definition of the difference between guidance and advice is below:
Guidance
- Guidance is an impartial service which will help people to identify their options and narrow down their choices but will not tell them what to do or which product to buy; the decision is theirs
- Providers of guidance are responsible for the accuracy and quality of the information they provide but not for any decision made based on it
- Guidance is free
- Guidance will suggest what someone could do
Advice
- Advice will recommend a specific product or course of action for a person to take given their circumstances and financial goals.
- This will be personal to them, based on information they provide.
- Advice will be provided by a qualified and regulated individual or online by a regulated organisation.
- Providers of advice are responsible and liable for the accuracy, quality and suitability of the recommendation that they make, and individuals are protected by law.
- Advice will recommend what someone should do.
Applicants will need to provide evidence of their regulation status if applying for grants to deliver financial advice services, and a reference to support previous delivery of guidance or advice will be required in all cases.
Frequently asked questions
To support your application the following FAQs should help with specific queries for this final round:
When will I know the outcome of my application and payment made to me?
A panel will consider applications for recommendation to the Director of Children’s Services and Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services for final approval. The panel may also raise clarifications to inform their recommendations. Following this process, a signed grant agreement and accompanying information will be required before payment can be made. It is expected that organisations will be paid as long as organisations return all reporting documentation within the timescales required.
Can I get support about my application or project?
Yes. Please get in touch via email with your idea or query and the team will be happy to discuss further with you: [email protected]
Where can I see all of the organisations and projects that have been funded?
As grants are awarded, they will be published on our webpage: Support from community organisations. Details of previously funded projects: Our work so far.
As a professional or organisation where can I apply for urgent support?
Crisis support for households is also available to organisations by exception. To apply for urgent crisis funding, organisations must demonstrate that all other existing forms of support have been explored and that the need is immediate. Please use the online application form to make an application for crisis support.