GSK Community Health programme: supporting small charities tackling health inequalities
The GSK Community Health programme is open to registered charities that are at least a year old, located and working in the UK with a total annual income between £20,000 and £150,000. Up to 10 charities will receive up to £10,000, plus access to training and development valued at £5,000.
About the programme
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.
Funding
Up to 10 organisations will receive up to £10,000 in unrestricted funding.
The leadership programme
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.
This is what small charities said about this year’s GSK Community Health leadership programme:
'This programme has been life-changing for me. I was worried about taking the time out of my working day to participate. However, in reality this has been the best "time out" that I've taken and the programme has had a positive impact on me personally and professionally!'
'I feel more confident, more focused, and better equipped to lead both my team and my charity.'
‘The programme has helped me recognise the importance of stepping back and not always being in the detail. I now feel more comfortable taking time to think more strategically without feeling guilty.’
'Letting go of the need to get everything right has made it easier to take action, try things, and adapt as we go. That shift has made growth feel more realistic and achievable.'
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 deadline for applications 5.00pm on Monday 10 August 2026 – 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.
We are interested in your whole charity, so please tell us about the work you do across your organisation. Applications that only focus on a particular project will not be shortlisted.
GSK and The King’s Fund encourage organisations to apply that are led by and support people from under-represented backgrounds, people from ethnic minority communities, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.
How to apply
Please read our guidelines before deciding whether to apply.
Download the questions asked on the GSK Community Health programme online application form.
For more information, download our frequently asked questions.
If you experience problems viewing any of the documents, please email: [email protected]
Timetable for applications
Deadline for application is 5.00pm on Monday 10 August 2026
Decisions by mid-October 2026
Leadership programme: individual conversations with facilitation team (November/ December 2026)
Leadership programme: January to spring 2027 (programme dates TBC)
GSK IMPACT Awards
Read more about the awards, how to apply and previous winners.
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GSK IMPACT Awards
The GSK IMPACT Awards provide funding, training and development for charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing.