United Utilities Trust Fund

United Utilities Trust Fund is an independent grantmaking charity established in 2004 by United Utilities Water Limited to relieve poverty and financial distress among its domestic customers in the North West of England facing severe hardship from unaffordable water and sewerage bills. Its core mission focuses on clearing arrears, providing essential aid for financial stability, and breaking cycles of utility poverty through compassionate, dignified support—having assisted over 66,000 families with £57 million endowed by its founder. Distinguished by independent, unpaid regional trustees and administration via Auriga Services Ltd, it leads as a UK utilities best-practice model, emphasizing proactive intervention, debt advice signposting, and proven impact (70% of recipients sustain bill payments after one year).

The Trust prioritizes water bill arrears relief, essential household items (e.g., fridges, beds—one per applicant), and crisis vouchers for United Utilities residential customers at risk of disconnection or distress. It also funds money advice agencies delivering financial literacy, debt intervention, and budgeting support to prevent hardship, but strictly avoids broader charitable activities.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and grassroots organizations serving the United Utilities catchment (North West England), with preference for smaller entities demonstrating governance and stability; individuals must be current UU domestic customers in genuine need. No strict income limits apply.

Organizational grants reach up to £40,000 for one-year projects via two-stage applications (EOI form emailed to communitygrants@aurigaservices.co.uk, then full proposals during announced rounds, e.g., May deadlines). Individual grants (£500–£2,000 typically) are rolling via online/post with quick trustee decisions. Exclusions cover non-water utilities, loans, fines, or statutory services; funding is discretionary, geographically restricted, and mission-aligned only for water poverty relief.