Cash for Kids

Cash for Kids is a national grant-making charity established by Bauer Media, operating across 23 regions in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people affected by poverty, neglect, illness, and disability. With governance from regional trustees and a national board, its mission centres on inclusivity, empowerment, and direct local impact, ensuring every child has resources to reach their potential. Distinctive for its year-round support and high-profile Mission Christmas campaign delivering gifts to those in need, it emphasises verified urgency, professional referrals, and community-led responses through ties to local radio stations.

It prioritises preventing or relieving child poverty, supporting disabled or acutely needy youth, and advancing child welfare via grants for alleviating hunger, educational resources, essential goods, therapy, equipment, transport, and crisis aid. Beneficiaries include children, young people, and families in financial hardship; funding goes to individuals (via professionals like teachers or social workers) and partners such as schools, community groups, foodbanks, and youth charities delivering direct, measurable benefits.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, constituted community groups, schools, and youth organisations with annual income preferably under £1 million, operating in Cash for Kids' Bauer Media broadcast regions. No religious restrictions apply, and unsolicited applications are welcomed.

Typical grants range from £1,000 to £3,000 for project costs, activities, or equipment benefiting children directly—excluding core salaries, running costs, food items, or allergy-risk gifts. Submit online via regional portals on a rolling basis or per regional deadlines (check website for current calls); decisions follow within weeks. Its regional responsiveness, rapid mobilisation, and focus on overlooked needs set it apart as a go-to funder for local child disadvantage.