Association of NHS Charities

NHS Charities Together, formerly the Association of NHS Charities, is a national umbrella body established in 2000, uniting over 220 local and specialist NHS charities across the UK to amplify their impact. Its core mission is to mobilise the collective power of these charities and the nation to help the NHS deliver more for patients, staff, and communities, addressing health inequalities, resource gaps, and staff wellbeing through advocacy, training, networking, and transformative funding. Rooted in values of inclusivity, collaboration, compassion, and practical impact, it stands out as the sole representative body for NHS charities, leveraging national campaigns—like multi-million-pound Covid-19 responses—and deep NHS partnerships to drive systemic change and equitable healthcare.

It prioritises three interconnected themes: enhancing patient care and experiences beyond statutory services (e.g., ward improvements, recovery programmes); supporting NHS staff and volunteer mental health/wellbeing (e.g., rest spaces, psychological resources); and empowering communities to live healthier lives and ease NHS pressures (e.g., outreach, social prescribing, health inequality initiatives). Funded activities span projects, core costs, capital enhancements, innovation, emergency response, volunteering infrastructure, and digital health, targeting patients of all ages, staff, volunteers, and underserved communities UK-wide.

Eligibility is restricted: only member NHS charities apply directly via the Member Connect portal; UK-registered charities or CICs must partner with a member as lead applicant. No income limits or religious restrictions apply, but projects require NHS ties, measurable outcomes, and community need evidence. Typical grants range £2,000–£200,000 (up to £550,000 for major partnerships), awarded quarterly via EOI then full applications (10-week decisions), with programme deadlines often in February/March, July, and November. It excludes unsolicited external applications and statutory NHS replacements, distinguishing itself through scale, member empowerment, and nationwide crisis mobilisation for high-impact health equity.