Chuf
About This Funder
CHUF (Children's Heart Unit Fund) is a UK-based charitable incorporated organisation established in 2015, evolving from an earlier unincorporated charity, dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, young people, and families affected by congenital or acquired heart conditions. Primarily linked to the Children’s Heart Unit at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust and specialist cardiac units across the North of England, CHUF bridges gaps in NHS provision by funding holistic "top-up" support. Its mission emphasises compassion, excellence, and empowerment, partnering with families, clinicians, and supporters to inspire hope, enable "Heart Heroes" to thrive, and improve quality of life through targeted interventions.
CHUF exclusively funds paediatric cardiac care initiatives, including advanced medical equipment (e.g., echocardiogram machines), play therapy, clown doctors, psychological aftercare, family respite, staff training, entertainment on wards, and research. Grants support both one-off capital projects and ongoing revenue needs for NHS units, clinical teams, patient families, and linked voluntary groups, focusing on emotional, practical, and morale-boosting "extras" beyond statutory care.
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or NHS entities with direct ties to paediatric cardiac services in the North East, Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, or broader North of England networks; no income thresholds apply, but strong regional and clinical connections are essential. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—initial exploratory contact via info@chuf.org.uk leads to collaborative development. Typical grants range from £500 for small items to £100,000+ for major equipment, with ad hoc trustee decisions alongside clinical input and no fixed deadlines.
CHUF avoids generalist causes, unrestricted core costs, or projects outside heart conditions, youth, or its regional focus, distinguishing itself through intimate collaboration with Freeman Hospital teams, family engagement via events, and a commitment to transforming survival into fulfilling lives.
Eligibility Checklist
Funding Details
Writing your application?
Free guides on what funders look for, common mistakes, and how to stand out
How to apply to Chuf
Skip weeks of research. Write a strong application this afternoon — in your own words, with AI doing the heavy lifting.
Check your match
Describe your charity once and see how well you fit Chuf's priorities — scored on location, cause, size, and 3 other factors.
Draft with your AI co-pilot
Paste the application question and word limit. The co-pilot writes a first draft using your charity's real data and this funder's criteria — not generic filler. You edit every word before it leaves.
Review, refine, submit
Every answer runs through an 8-point quality check — clear ask, funder alignment, measurable outcomes, and more. You stay in control. The AI does the drafting; you make it sound like you.
Is Chuf right for your charity?
See your compatibility score and find similar funders.
Free · No credit card required
Similar Funders
Other funders with a similar profile and grant range.
Browse Related Grants
Apply to Chuf
Match, draft, and review — all in one place.
Free. No credit card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Chuf provide?
Chuf typically provides grants ranging from £500 - £30,000.
Where does Chuf fund charities?
Chuf funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Chuf?
With Fundermatcher, you describe your charity once and see your compatibility score with Chuf. If you're a good fit, you can start drafting your application immediately using our AI co-pilot — paste each question and word limit, and the co-pilot writes a tailored first draft using your charity's real data and Chuf's priorities. You review and edit every answer before submitting.
Will funders know my application was drafted with AI?
No. The co-pilot uses your charity's real name, numbers, and impact data — not generic filler or templates. Every draft reads like it was written by someone who knows your charity inside-out, because it's built on your actual profile. You edit and refine every word before it goes anywhere, so the final application sounds like you — because it is.
Your next application could be finished today
Chuf is one of 3,500+ UK funders in our database. See how well they match your charity, discover similar funders, and find the ones most likely to fund your work.
Free · No credit card required
You've explored 7 funders — let us find your best matches
Describe your charity once and we'll match you with the most relevant funders from 3,500+ UK grant-makers.