The Croydon Relief In Need Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £206,000-£270,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly committee meetings
• Grant Range: Small grants to project grants (specific amounts not disclosed)
• Geographic Focus: London Borough of Croydon
• Total Charity Assets: Funded by Croydon Almshouse Charities (£20 million+ endowment)

Contact Details

Email: tessadamer@croydonalmshouses.org.uk / becyusuf@croydonalmshouses.org.uk

Phone: 020 8688 2649 / 07511 181 768

Website: croydonalmshouses.org.uk

Address: Elis David Almshouses, Duppas Hill Terrace, Croydon CR0 4BT

Application Support: Contact Bec Yusuf, Community Development Officer at becyusuf@croydonalmshouses.org.uk for application assistance

Overview

The Croydon Relief in Need Charity (CRiN), registered charity number 810114, was established to provide financial assistance for people in need by reason of poverty, hardship, age, disability, or other disadvantage who are resident in the London Borough of Croydon. CRiN derives its funds from the Croydon Almshouse Charities, which holds financial investments amounting to over £20 million. For the year ending December 31, 2024, CRiN had total income of £206,128 and total expenditure of £208,190. The charity operates independently with accounts examined by Haysmacintyre LLP. The committee meets quarterly to make decisions on fund distribution, focusing on meeting the needs of local people across the borough. The charity has supported various local organizations since 2014, including The Nehemiah Project for their Supported Housing Programme.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

CRiN accepts applications from both charitable organisations and individuals. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis via their online application form, with committee meetings held quarterly to make funding decisions.

Organizational Grants: For charitable organisations operating in the London Borough of Croydon for projects that benefit borough residents

• Preference for one-off grants towards specific projects rather than ongoing core costs
• Must start within 6 months of funding outcome notification
• Can fund national organisations if used for direct benefit of Croydon residents

Individual Grants: Small one-off grants for individuals in conditions of need, hardship, or distress

Priority Areas (2025 Policy)

The charity has ranked its current priorities as:

1. Older people (60 years and older) experiencing hardship
2. Young people (up to 25 years old) experiencing hardship
3. People living in the more deprived areas of the borough (top 30% of areas of deprivation - Indices of Multiple Deprivation Decile 1-3)

Intervention themes include:

• Advice and information (housing support, welfare benefits)
• Cost of living support (food insecurity, financial security)
• Mental health
• Recreational equipment and facilities
• Refurbishing facilities
• Counselling and mentoring projects
• Equipment and other types of support

Deprivation Area Requirement: If project location is not in the top 30% deprived areas, at least 60% of beneficiaries should be living in these areas.

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, the charity emphasizes that:

• Projects must not duplicate existing services
• Projects must align with Croydon Almshouses' Theory of Change outcomes
• Grants must be used for the purpose for which they are awarded, or money may be requested back

Ready to write a winning application for The Croydon Relief In Need Charity?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Join the Launch List

Governance and Leadership

The charity is operated through The Croydon Almshouse Charities Trustee Company Limited. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Current Officers (as of 2024):

• Hayley James - Secretary (appointed January 2020)
• Emma Hinson - Director (appointed June 2024)
• Vanessa Russell - Director (appointed May 2021)
• Joseph Michael Tuke - Director (appointed May 2021)

Key Staff:

• Bec Yusuf - Community Development Officer (becyusuf@croydonalmshouses.org.uk, 07511 181 768)
• Tessa Damer - Contact (tessadamer@croydonalmshouses.org.uk, 020 8688 2649)

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

CRiN accepts applications through an online application form. Before applying:

1. Read the CRiN Grant Fund Policy 2025
2. Read the Online Application Form Guidance 2025 (both available at croydonalmshouses.org.uk)
3. Prepare all information and supporting documents before starting - the application cannot be saved and returned to later
4. Email supporting documents to becyusuf@croydonalmshouses.org.uk

Eligibility Check:

• Beneficiaries must be resident in Croydon (though funding may benefit a minority from outside the area)
• If main project location is outside Croydon, explain how you will connect Croydon residents
• Questions marked with red asterisk are mandatory - answering 'No' to certain questions means application cannot be accepted

Application Portal: Contact becyusuf@croydonalmshouses.org.uk for link to online form

Decision Timeline

• Committee Meetings: Quarterly (or as necessary)
• Processing Time: Not publicly specified, but decisions made at quarterly meetings
• Project Start: All successful projects must start within 6 months of funding outcome notification

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy is not publicly specified. Contact the charity directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Based on CRiN's published guidance and priorities, successful applications typically demonstrate:

1. Clear Alignment with Priorities: Projects that serve older people (60+), young people (up to 25), or residents in the top 30% most deprived areas of Croydon have priority status.

1. Deprivation Focus: If your project location isn't in the most deprived areas, demonstrate that at least 60% of beneficiaries live in these areas. CRiN classes deprived areas as Indices of Multiple Deprivation Decile 1-3.

1. Accuracy and Completeness: Applications are assessed based on information provided in the form. Inaccurate information can result in funding being withheld, withdrawn, or recovered. Have all information ready before starting the online form.

1. Specific Project Focus: CRiN prefers one-off grants towards specific projects rather than ongoing core costs. Clearly articulate the project with measurable outcomes.

1. No Service Duplication: Demonstrate that your project doesn't duplicate existing services in the area.

1. Theory of Change Alignment: Show how your project aligns with Croydon Almshouses' Theory of Change outcomes - contributing to a Croydon where more people can live with dignity and independence.

1. Supporting Documentation: Email comprehensive supporting documents to becyusuf@croydonalmshouses.org.uk to strengthen your application.

1. Croydon Connection: If you're a national organisation or project located outside Croydon, clearly explain how funding will directly benefit Croydon residents.

1. Six-Month Start: Be prepared to start your project within 6 months of receiving funding notification.

1. Preparedness: Since the application form cannot be saved partway through, having all information organized before starting demonstrates good project planning.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Priority populations matter: Applications serving older people (60+), young people (under 25), or residents in the most deprived 30% of Croydon receive priority consideration
• Geographic targeting is crucial: Know the Indices of Multiple Deprivation for your project area. If not in the top 30% deprived areas, ensure 60% of beneficiaries come from these areas
• One-off project grants preferred: Frame your request as a specific project with clear outcomes rather than ongoing operational funding
• Prepare before applying: The online application cannot be saved mid-way, so gather all information and documents before starting
• Quarterly decision cycle: Plan ahead knowing that decisions are made quarterly - contact Bec Yusuf for timing of next committee meeting
• Direct Croydon benefit required: If you're a national charity or project outside Croydon boundaries, clearly articulate how Croydon residents specifically benefit
• Contact before applying: Bec Yusuf (Community Development Officer) is available to help with applications - use this resource for guidance on fit and application strength

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• REEDHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST
• CRIPPLEGATE FOUNDATION
• ST ANDREW HOLBORN AND STAFFORD'S CHARITY
• Rotherhithe Consolidated Charities
• THE HAMPSTEAD WELLS AND CAMPDEN TRUST
• Richmond Foundation
• The Hornsey Parochial Charities
• Hampton Fuel Allotment
• Emanuel Hospital
• JOHN LYON'S CHARITY

References

1. Charity Commission Register - The Croydon Relief in Need Charity (810114): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/810114

1. Croydon Almshouses website - Relief in Need section: https://www.croydonalmshouses.org.uk/relief-in-need.html

1. Croydon Council - The Croydon Almshouse and Relief in Need charities funding information: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/community-and-safety/advice-and-funding-community-groups/funding-opportunities/croydon-almshouse-and-relief-need-charities

1. Companies House - The Croydon Almshouse Charities Trustee Company Limited (08589455): https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/08589455/officers

1. The Nehemiah Project - Croydon Almshouse and Relief in Need Charities support: https://www.tnp.org.uk/portfolio/the-croydon-almshouse-and-relief-in-need-charities/

1. Croydon Relief in Need Grant Fund Online Application Form Guidance 2025 (Referenced but PDF not directly accessible): https://croydonalmshouses.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CRiN-Online-AF-Guidance-2025.pdf

1. Croydon Voluntary Action - Meet the Funder sessions: https://cvalive.org.uk/calendar/item/45202554