Henry Smith Foundation Holiday Grants Programme

The Holiday Grants Programme offers one-off grants for schools, youth groups and non-profit organisations to take children aged 13 and under on recreational day trips or short residential trips.

We know that memorable experiences can have a lasting impact, boosting wellbeing, building confidence, and offering a break from daily pressures. This programme helps provide these opportunities for children who face financial hardship, systemic inequity or disability.

We prioritise groups supporting disabled children and those with limited access to funds to go on holiday. In 2025, 60% of grants went to organisations working in the UK's most deprived areas.

• Grant amount: £500 – £3000 per trip
• Trip length: A day trip or residential trips of up to 7 days
• Timeframe: Applications for trips between 12 January and 30 April 2026 are open from 9am, 1 December 2025 and 19 March 2026. Applications for trips between 1 May and 30 September 2026 are open from 20 March and 19 August 2026. Applications for trips between 1 October and 31 December 2026 are open from 20 August and 19 November 2026.
• Age range: Children must be aged 13 or under
• Eligible organisations: Youth groups and UK-based non-profits with an organisational income below £2m, and schools
• Trip type: Recreational only — no educational or religious aims
• Location: Trips must take place within the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands
• Deadline: Apply at least 6 weeks before the trip

Deadlines:

• Applications for trips between 12 January and 30 April 2026 are open from 9am, 1 December 2025, until 19 March 2026.
• Applications for trips between 1 May and 30 September 2026 are open from 20 March and 19 August 2026.
• Applications for trips between 1 October and 31 December 2026 are open from 20 August and 19 November 2026.

We prioritise groups working in the 20% most deprived areas across the UK. If your group isn't located in a high-deprivation area but works with children facing significant financial or systemic challenges, please explain this in your application.

We want to help children who experience inequity and/or are disabled to go on fun trips. We fund schools, youth groups, and non-profit organisations planning one-time trips for children aged 13 and under. We prioritise fun and new experiences, such as camping, adventure activities, or visits to the seaside. For groups of disabled children, we look at the group's access needs and the levels of deprivation in your area.

We don't fund trips to high-cost destinations (e.g. expensive theme parks, sporting events), trips outside the UK, trips for children over 13 or for families, trips that have already happened or are less than 5 weeks away, or trips with educational, curriculum-based or religious objectives.