Stronger Than Silence Foundation

Grants & Application

We provide grants for survivors and families affected by sexual violence — covering respite breaks, therapy, education and practical support. If you need help, we want to hear from you.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

Our grants are open to individuals and families across the UK. You may be eligible if you meet one or more of the following criteria.

1

Survivor of Sexual Violence

You are a survivor of sexual violence, abuse or exploitation — at any point in your life, recent or historical.

2

Family Member or Carer

You are a parent, family member or carer of someone directly affected by sexual violence, abuse or trauma.

3

Demonstrated Need

You are experiencing hardship, disadvantage or reduced wellbeing as a direct result of your or your family member's experiences.

4

Resident in the UK

You are currently resident in the United Kingdom at the time of application.

5

Genuine Benefit

The grant would make a meaningful, tangible difference to your recovery, wellbeing or circumstances.

6

Not Duplicating Statutory Support

The support you are applying for is not already available to you through statutory services, or there is an unreasonable barrier to accessing it.

Who Is Not Eligible

  • Organisations or charities (grants are for individuals and families only)
  • Costs already covered by another grant or statutory funding
  • Retrospective costs — things already paid for before the grant is awarded
  • Ongoing regular income replacement
  • Legal costs or compensation claims

Not sure if you qualify? Apply anyway. We would rather review an application and explain why we cannot help than have someone who needs support not apply at all.

What We Fund

Types of Grant

We offer five grant types, each designed to address a different aspect of recovery and rebuilding. You can apply for one or more depending on your circumstances.

🌿

Restorative Break Grant

Up to £500

Funding for a short break, holiday or retreat away from everyday circumstances. This could be a UK break, a family holiday, a wellness retreat or a nature-based experience — anything that provides genuine rest and recovery.

Examples

  • UK short break or holiday
  • Wellness or mindfulness retreat
  • Outdoor or nature experience
  • Family activity weekend
👨‍👩‍👧

Family Support Grant

Up to £750

Support for families navigating the aftermath of sexual violence — covering costs that help the whole family unit recover, reconnect and rebuild. Particularly aimed at parents and carers supporting a child survivor.

Examples

  • Family therapy or counselling sessions
  • Family activity days
  • Childcare costs during recovery
  • Travel to specialist support services
🎓

Education & Opportunity Grant

Up to £500

Helping survivors access education, training or new opportunities that trauma has placed out of reach. We believe no survivor should have their future limited by what was done to them.

Examples

  • Course fees or materials
  • Equipment needed for study
  • Transport to education or training
  • Exam fees
💆

Wellbeing & Therapy Grant

Up to £600

Covering the cost of therapeutic or wellbeing support that is not available through statutory services, or where waiting times are unacceptably long. Survivors should not have to wait years for help.

Examples

  • Private counselling or therapy
  • Art or music therapy
  • Trauma-informed yoga or movement
  • Complementary therapies
🏠

Practical Needs Grant

Up to £300

Emergency or urgent practical support for survivors facing hardship directly linked to their experience of sexual violence — helping to stabilise circumstances so recovery is possible.

Examples

  • Essential household items
  • Safety-related home costs
  • Emergency travel costs
  • Basic clothing or essentials

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I apply for?

Grant amounts vary by type, ranging from £300 to £750. You can apply for the amount you genuinely need — we assess each application on its own merits.

Can I apply for more than one grant type?

Yes. If your circumstances mean you have needs that span more than one grant type, you can indicate this in your application and we will consider it holistically.

Do I need to provide evidence?

We ask for a description of your circumstances and how the grant would help. We do not require you to provide police reports, court documents or medical records. We understand that many survivors have not reported their experiences and that should never be a barrier.

How long does the process take?

We aim to review all applications within 28 days. Urgent applications — where there is a time-sensitive need — are flagged and reviewed as a priority.

Is the application confidential?

Yes. All applications are treated in strict confidence. Your information will never be shared without your explicit consent.

What if I am not sure I am eligible?

Apply anyway. We would rather review an application and explain why we cannot help than have someone who needs support not apply at all. If we cannot fund your request, we will do our best to signpost you to other sources of help.

Take the First Step

Application Form

All information is treated in the strictest confidence. You will not be asked to relive or detail your experiences beyond what is necessary to assess your application.

1
Your Details
2
Verification
3
Your Situation
4
Declaration