Summer HAF Grant Funding Application 2026

Overview

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme provides high-quality holiday club provision, including healthy meals and engaging activities, for school-aged children in Sandwell. We are seeking enthusiastic and committed providers to deliver safe, enjoyable, and supportive holiday experiences that make a lasting difference to children, young people, and their families.

The programme supports children from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits‑related free school meals (FSM) and attend a Sandwell school, as well as children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to age 16. Funding for children not in receipt of benefits related free school meals is restricted, priority will be given to those who meet the HAF eligibility criteria.

• Successful providers will receive payments in instalments prior to each holiday period.
• Providers may deliver up to three HAF camps per holiday period, each in a different town. Multiple camps at one venue are permitted where each camp targets a different group (e.g., SEND, primary-aged, or secondary-aged children).
• Applications to deliver in Tipton, Oldbury, Rowley Regis, and Wednesbury are particularly encouraged, as these areas have historically had limited provision.

Please read the 2026 HAF Application Guidance before completing this application.

Who Can Apply

You are eligible to apply if your organisation meets the council’s definition of the voluntary and community sector:

• Voluntary organisations
• Community groups
• Tenants and Residents groups
• Faith groups
• Housing Associations
• Most co-operatives and social enterprises (provided all profits are retained for the benefit of the communities served)

Eligible organisations must also have one or more of the following legal structures:

• Community interest companies limited by guarantee
• Community interest companies limited by share (Schedule 2, including an asset lock of 100%)
• Not-for-profit trade associations
• Charitable trusts
• Companies limited by guarantee
• Unincorporated companies
• Wholly owned trading arms

You can also apply if:

• You are a school or operate within an educational setting
• You are a private or independent organisation
• You are a sports club or grassroots organisation
• You have governing documents and/or a charity number and/or a company registration number
• You provide services in Sandwell that benefit children, young people, and families living in the borough
• Your organisation is interested in scaling up its current provision to meet the needs of a wider cohort of children and families
• Your organisation has experience in delivering high-quality activities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

To support you, we have organised 1:1 MS Teams drop‑in sessions for providers who may have questions or require further information about the programme guidance, funding, or application process, or who need additional clarification or support. If you would like to request a 1:1 meeting, please email sulma_begum@sandwell.gov.uk by 20th May 2026.