Funds 4 Care 2026 Launch

You can apply for Funds 4 Care if:

• You are 16-21 years old before the deadline
• You are a Child in Care or Care Leaver within Cornwall Council

• Funds 4 Care 2026 opens on the 5th January
• Applications must be submitted before the 28th February
• We will process applications in March by running them past a young people’s panel
• We will contact all applicants by 31st March to confirm if they have been successful
• We will purchase all items in April
• If you have not received your item by 1st May 2026, please let us know.

• One item up to £150.
• Something that will make a positive difference to your life.
• Driving Lessons: you need to have already accessed your 10 lessons through the 16+ team. We will send you a voucher that can be used for all DVSA approved instructors.
• Payments to businesses (e.g. riding schools, sports coaches): you will need to send an invoice, addressed to Carefree, to [email protected]
• Electronic Vouchers: These will be issued through E-Vouchers a platform which cover a wide range of shops (see list below). You will need to explain in your application what this will be used for.

• Items over £150
• Cash
• Anything needed urgently, we will not be purchasing until April
• Payments for food/ utilities
• Alcohol or tobacco products
• General household furniture: you may be entitled to funding through the 16+ Team.
• Televisions
• Games consoles and accessories
• Electric scooters
• Memberships (e.g. Gym & Leisure)
• Theory tests, practical driving tests or CBTs
• Purchases from auction/bidding sites (e.g. Ebay)
• Purchases from outside of the UK.

If you are unsure if you can apply for an item, please contact us to check.

Following the popularity of gift vouchers in Funds 4 Care over the last two years, Carefree have partnered with E-Vouchers. E-Vouchers is a platform that allows charities, schools, councils and housing associations to issue vouchers to their service users. We will be using the platform to make the Funds 4 Care process quicker and easier for young people and the professionals working with them. You can request a voucher of up to £150. This will be sent by email or text to the young person (or their PA when requested). Once received, young people can choose from a list of retailers including:

• Clothing: JD Sports, Primark, New Look, ASOS, Sports Direct, Nike, Adidas etc.
• Home & Garden: B&Q, Argos, Ikea, Screwfix
• Electrical & Hobby: Amazon, Currys, Halfords

If you are unsure if a specific retailer is on the E-Vouchers platform, please contact us to check or see full list here Our brands – E-Vouchers