The SNG Winter Wishes Fund provides grants of up to £1,000 to help support communities over the festive period.
For many, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. But for others, it can bring financial strain, loneliness, emotional challenges, and feelings of social isolation.
The SNG Winter Wishes Fund supports not-for-profit groups and organisations to deliver projects that help to communities during the festive season. Grants of £300 to £1,000 are awarded to initiatives and projects that actively provide support to those most vulnerable in our communities.
Who is eligible to apply?
Projects must be taking place in an SNG community and be actively promoted to SNG customers. This covers areas in Reading but you can contact Darryl McAndrew to check by emailing Darryl.Macandrew@sng.org.uk.
Eligible groups include:
• Not for profit
• Registered charities
• CIO’s
• CIC’s limited by guarantee
• Community and voluntary groups
• Community benefit societies.
• Social Enterprises (not for profit)
What are the funder priorities?
The Winter Wishes Fund has five key priorities:
- Magic moments for children – Projects that create joyful, magical Christmas experiences for children who might otherwise miss out. Funding will ensure every child feels seen, celebrated, and surrounded by love and Christmas spirit. Examples include special gifts, festive outings, warm meals, or unique holiday experiences.
- Food insecurity and food poverty – Projects that support those struggling with basic needs during the festive season. Examples include food hampers, warm packs, hot meals, advice and support services.
- Mental health – Projects that promote emotional wellbeing during December. Examples include support groups, creative therapy sessions and drop-in wellbeing services.
- Loneliness and isolation – Projects that connect people who may feel alone or disconnected during winter. Examples include Christmas dinners, creative community hubs, intergenerational activities, befriending schemes.
- Community-led action – Community-led initiatives that bring people together and tackle hardship or loneliness. Examples include volunteer-led initiatives, neighbourhood support schemes, festive community events.
Previous examples of funded projects have included:
- Christmas meals for older people attending a loneliness cafe
- Christmas breakfast hampers for children and young people attending SNG partnered youth sessions
- Preloved gifts and clothes distributed to parents/carers to wrap and give to their
children for Christmas - Additional hot beverages and refreshments for a community club for older people over the winter period
- Christmas event for low-income families, ensuring every child receives a high-quality gift tailored to their age and interest.
How much can organisations apply for?
£300 to £1,000
Is there a deadline?
- Applications open: 1 October 2025
- Deadline to apply: 29 October 2025
- Successful applicants notified by: 21 November 2025
- Projection completion deadline: Please note all projects must be completed by 28 February 2026 (all funds must be spent by this date)
Find out more/how to apply
- Visit the funder’s website here
- Download detailed guidance here
- If you would like to discuss an application with SNG please contact the grants team grants@sng.org.uk or Darryl McAndrew at Darryl.Macandrew@sng.org.uk
- For further support from RVA with preparing your application or your policies and procedures required for this funding, contact advice@rva.org.uk