New Macmillan CARE Grants Programme Now Open for UK Applications

Macmillan Cancer Support has launched the CARE (Culture • Agency • Respect • Equity) Grants Programme, a new pilot scheme designed to improve cancer care for everyone—no matter their background, identity, or where they live in the UK.

This programme aims to test how community-led approaches can address long-standing inequalities and improve experiences for people living with cancer.

Funding Available

Macmillan has allocated up to £1.5 million for the first round of funding.

Grant amounts: £50,000 – £150,000

Project duration: 1–2 years

Deadline for applications: 23 January 2026

These grants will support:

• Staff and people costs
• Project delivery costs
• Evaluation and learning
• What Will the Programme Fund?

The CARE programme focuses on three priority areas where communities can drive meaningful change:

1. Cultural Responsiveness in Cancer Care

Projects that help cancer services better understand and meet the cultural needs of diverse communities, ensuring more personalised and accessible care.

2. Shared Decision-Making

Initiatives that empower people to understand treatment options, participate fully in decisions, and reduce inequalities in how shared decision-making is experienced.

3. Dementia-Friendly Cancer Care

Projects that support people living with both cancer and dementia, enhance their care experience, and help them and their carers engage in treatment decisions.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations based and operating within the UK.

Information Webinars Macmillan is hosting three webinars to support potential applicants:

2 December 2025 — 11:00–12:00

11 December 2025 (18:00 - 19:00)

8 January 2026 (15:30 - 16:30)