Utilita Giving

Utilita Giving is a UK-registered charity established in December 2022 by Utilita Energy, dedicated to alleviating and preventing hardship from fuel and food poverty through direct support for affected individuals and catalysing systemic change via public awareness. Its ethos emphasises dignified, sustainable solutions that empower vulnerable people, delivered with compassion, respect, and coordinated needs-led interventions. Governed by trustees with expertise in social justice and energy poverty, and backed by patrons like David James MBE, it stands out for its energy supplier ties, providing unique insights into fuel hardship, and innovative, evidence-based approaches prioritising long-term stability over short-term fixes.

The funder targets acute fuel poverty—covering energy costs, debt, and heating—and food poverty, including hunger and access to nutrition. It supports emergency aid, grants to frontline organisations, awareness campaigns, personalised casework, debt relief via the Helping Hand Fund (for Utilita customers adopting responsible practices), and wraparound services through the 'One Call, That’s All' pilot, aiming to assist 6,000 people across Britain with streamlined referrals. Beneficiaries include households facing multiple vulnerabilities like disability and low income, with grants to 28+ charities such as The Felix Project for food banks, energy advice, and welfare support.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups delivering frontline services UK-wide (England, Scotland, Wales), favouring small to medium-sized organisations with specialist expertise; no strict income limits apply, but a UK base is required. Currently, unsolicited applications are not accepted—the small grants scheme is paused until December 2026, with grantmaking focused internally; enquire via the Grants Manager for updates.

Past grants ranged £5,000–£50,000 (typically £10,000–£25,000) for time-limited projects addressing immediate needs, excluding core/unrestricted or capital funding. Distinctive for its narrow focus, pragmatic sustainability mandates, and collaborative efficiency, Utilita Giving suits charities offering practical, impact-driven relief for fuel/food insecurity.