Octopus Foundation

Could Octopus Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £5,000 – £20,000
Applications: Existing partners only
Decisions: As needed

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Check fit free · no card

theoctopusfoundation.org.uk

About Octopus Foundation

The Octopus Foundation, established in 2016 by four directors with extensive experience in community work with vulnerable populations, is a Medway-based charity dedicated to improving mental health and emotional wellbeing for those on the margins of mainstream services. Rooted in direct experience of mental health challenges, its mission emphasises empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, fostering resilience, confidence, and independence through peer-led support. Volunteers, often former beneficiaries, deliver impactful programmes that bridge gaps in statutory services, prioritising social inclusion in areas of multiple deprivation across Medway and Kent.

What Octopus Foundation funds

The Foundation funds initiatives tackling depression, self-harm, addiction, abuse, isolation, and complex needs among children (from age five with behavioural challenges), young offenders, adults with autism or learning difficulties, and those with dementia. Supported activities include mentoring, life-skills training, creative and therapeutic groups, and targeted programmes like carpentry and employability schemes for long-term NEET men. All funded work must operate exclusively within Medway and Kent, focusing on areas of multiple deprivation.

Who can apply

Eligible entities are limited to UK-registered charities and community groups operating exclusively in Medway and Kent. The Foundation prefers small grassroots organisations demonstrating frontline engagement with vulnerable populations. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding targets pre-identified local partners via trustee referrals and networks.

What Octopus Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation avoids large national charities, statutory bodies, and non-local projects. It does not support initiatives outside Medway and Kent or those that do not focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing for marginalised groups.

How much does Octopus Foundation give?

£5,000 – £20,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Mental healthChildren & youthDisabilityOlder people

How to apply to Octopus Foundation

Octopus Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
Decisions are typically as needed.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Octopus Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Octopus Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Octopus Foundation provide?

Octopus Foundation typically provides grants of £5,000 - £20,000.

Where does Octopus Foundation fund charities?

Octopus Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Octopus Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Octopus Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Octopus Foundation?

Octopus Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.