Elder Companionship Fund

Established in 2020 as a Collective Fund, the Elder Companionship Fund aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older people across Surrey. It was initially supported by six individual donors and is now sustained by two regular donors (contributing approx. £35,000 annually) and a three-year annual donation of £20,000 from the John Laing Charitable Trust.

This is a flow-through fund, focusing on awarding as many grants as possible to local projects that support older people facing isolation and disadvantage.

Since its launch, the Fund has awarded over £190k to 28 projects across Surrey and is open to multi-year funding.

Case Studies for Projects Funded

  • Re-Engage
    Through their regular programme of tea parties and their Call Companions service, they’ve helped build meaningful social connections for people who might otherwise be isolated.

  • Wishing Well Music for Health
    Wishing Well deliver music-making sessions in healthcare settings across Surrey, and showcase the transformative impact of music on wellbeing and mental health. They deliver participatory music-making sessions in healthcare settings across Sussex and Surrey.

  • Farnham Assist

    Farnham Assist is a local charity supporting nearly 200 older people across Farnham, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation in a recognised area of high need. With the help of 80 dedicated volunteers, they offer lunches, outings, quizzes and companionship to those aged 70 and over – many of whom are in their 80s and 90s.

How to apply

There are three funding rounds per year, aligned with CFSurrey’s general grant rounds. To apply, organisations must first submit an Expression of Interest form.

  • Grants awarded: Typically £10,000 - £12,000 per round.

  • Average grants is: £5000 - £6000.

Who to talk to

For any enquiries relating to the Elder Companionship Fund, please contact Zoe, our Fund Development Manager.

Zoe Coltart

(She/Her)
Fund Development Manager

call

01483 958307

zoe@cfsurrey.org.uk

mail

Mon - 8am-6:30pm

Tues - 9am-2:30pm, 3:30pm-4:30pm

Weds - 9am-5:30pm

Thurs - 9am-2:30pm