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Health inequalities are avoidable and systematic differences that include access to health care, quality and experience of care, life expectancy, and wider factors such as environment and housing. There are stark gaps in health between the least and most deprived areas in the UK, with the cost-of-living squeeze and rising poverty also impacting many people’s health.

A considerable amount of work tackling health inequalities is carried out by very small charities working with their communities. These organisations can find it hard to access unrestricted funding and support for their leaders, particularly in the current economic climate.

Organisations led by and supporting the most disadvantaged communities – such as those supporting ethnic minority communities, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and others – are particularly encouraged to apply for this programme.

The GSK Community Health programme will support aspirational leaders to develop their organisations to tackle health inequalities. It is designed to run alongside the GSK IMPACT Awards and support the next generation of award winners. We know from our long history with the GSK IMPACT Awards that the combination of funding and leadership support can make a real difference and help a charity realise its ambitions.

The charities offered funding will be invited to attend an online leadership programme. Up to 10 places are available, valued at £5,000 a place. The programme will be delivered by The King’s Fund and provide participants with the opportunity to develop their capability and confidence to lead both operationally and strategically. Taking part in the programme will require time and commitment, and it may not be right for everyone.

The leadership programme is designed to help leaders of small charities build the confidence, skills and relationships needed to lead effectively in challenging contexts. It will support participants to strengthen their leadership practice, build resilience, lead people and partnerships well, and take a more strategic and sustainable approach to increasing their organisation’s impact. Participants will be expected to bring openness, curiosity and a willingness to challenge their thinking, reflect on and develop their leadership practice, and collaborate with others to build a supportive learning community. In return, they will gain practical tools, fresh perspectives and the support of a trusted peer learning community.

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Geographical areas funded: UK

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant, Other resources

Type of cost:

Revenue, Core costs

Fund award sizes

Maximum:

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Notes on award amounts:

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Who can apply

To be eligible, organisations must be:

• within the income band for the programme – the charity must have a total annual income between £20,000 and £150,000, as shown in its most recent accounts. If your organisation’s income is above £150,000, you may be eligible to apply for the GSK IMPACT Awards
• able to demonstrate how they are tackling health inequalities in their community (this can be defined as a geographical community or a community of interest)
• a registered charity by the application deadline date - the organisation must also have existed for a minimum of one year by this date
• working, located and registered in the UK
• independently constituted from any national umbrella organisation.

Minimum annual income:

£20,000

Maximum annual income:

£150,000

When to apply

Closed for applications as of 10 August 2026 (decisions by end of October).

• Leadership programme: individual conversations with facilitation team (November/ December 2026)
• Leadership programme: January to spring 2027 (programme dates TBC)

How to apply

Read their Guidelines and complete their online application form.

If you experience problems viewing any of the documents, please email: [email protected]

They are interested in your whole charity, so please tell them about the work you do across your organisation. Applications that only focus on a particular project will not be shortlisted.

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Exclusions

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Activites funded: Advice and information Health care and wellbeing Health education and promotion Organisational development and capacity building

Beneficiaries funded: Black and Ethnic Minorities General public Socially isolated people LGBTQI people Ill-health Disabilities Learning disabilities Physical disabilities

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Last reviewed about 1 month ago