Macmillan CARE Grants

The CARE Grants Programme supports community organisations across the UK to tackle unfairness in cancer care. We want to fund projects that challenge the current system and create lasting change for people facing the greatest barriers to care. 

What we are funding

CARE = Culture • Agency • Respect • Equity 

 

At Macmillan, we're working to make cancer care better for everyone, no matter who they are or where they live. But right now, too many people are experiencing poorer care and facing worse outcomes because of who they are, where they live, or because they live with another long-term condition. 

The Macmillan CARE Grants Programme supports community organisations across the UK to tackle unfairness in cancer care. We want to fund projects that challenge the current system and create lasting change for people facing the greatest barriers to care. 

We believe community organisations understand their communities best and are perfectly placed to address gaps in cancer care. 

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Who can apply

Voluntary, community, faith or social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations based in the UK, including:

  • Registered charities 
  • Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO) 
  • Community Interest Companies (CIC) 
  • Companies Limited by Guarantee 
  • Faith-based organisations  
  • Residents/tenants association and community groups  
  • Local sports clubs and Recreational/Social clubs  
  • Community benefit societies

Who can not apply

  • Informal support groups without a legal structure (Unincorporated groups) 
  • Unregistered charities 
  • Individual healthcare professionals 
  • NHS trusts or hospitals 
  • Local authorities or government bodies 
  • Commercial businesses and sole traders 
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Grant value

£50,000 to £150,000
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Location

United Kingdom
Check if you are eligible
Take our simple quiz to see if your organisation is eligible for a CARE grant
Take the quiz

How to apply

The closing date for applications is 23 January 2026

To apply for a CARE Grant, please follow these steps: 

  1. Check eligibility: Ensure your organisation meets the programme criteria. You can take our simple eligibility quiz [opens a form in a new tab]
  2. Read the applicant pack: Understand the guidance, required documents and assessment criteria. 
  3. Prepare your application: The form is detailed (approx. 60 questions), though not every question will apply. We don’t recommend completing it online in one go as the form doesn’t automatically save your progress. To make it easier, download the Word version first [click here to download], complete it offline and save as you go. 
  4. Submit your application: When you’re ready, copy and paste your answers into the online Application form.
  5. Review and approval: Macmillan will review applications and notify you of the outcome.

Key Documents

How can we help?

We want everyone who's interested to be able to apply. Use our support request form if you need: 

  • Help understanding any part of the application 
  • The application form or guidance in a different format (large print, Easy Read, etc.) 
  • Written information or guidance in a language other than English 

 

We'll acknowledge your request within 5 working days and let you know the next steps. 

Grants Information Webinars

Our Grants Information Webinars are opportunities to hear more about the Macmillan CARE Grant and other Macmillan grants currently available for community applicants. These include time to answer general questions. 

Our Grants Information Webinars will take place on Microsoft Teams on the following dates: 

Contact us

 

For any other questions, please get in touch at CommunityGrants@macmillan.org.uk  

See other funding grants