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Cyber Essentials funding and free Cyber Essentials support
What funding is available for Cyber Essentials, whether you can get Cyber Essentials for free, and the free support that helps you get ready. Last checked 30 October 2026.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that helps organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber attacks. It is run by IASME on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Many contracts and supply chains now ask for it, so funding to help with the cost can make a real difference to start-ups, SMEs and charities.
Cyber Essentials funding available now
Free Supported Cyber Essentials Certification
For registered charities with a turnover under £2 million. The Supported Service is provided free and the charity pays only the Marking Only fee, from £319 + VAT.
Secure Innovation Security Reviews
A government-funded security review for innovative SMEs, covering key measures against common cyber attacks. £2,500 is funded and you contribute £500.
New funding for Cyber Essentials is announced from time to time. Ask us to let you know when a scheme opens that fits your organisation.
Can I get Cyber Essentials for free?
Cyber Essentials certification has an assessment fee, so it is rarely completely free. Funded programmes have covered the full cost in the past, for example the NCSC and IASME Funded Cyber Essentials Programme for small charities and legal aid law firms, but that programme isn’t taking new applications at the moment.
There are still ways to bring the cost down or get started for free:
- Free Supported Cyber Essentials Certification for registered charities under £2 million turnover (you pay only the Marking Only fee)
- The free NCSC Cyber Action Toolkit, with step-by-step actions for small organisations
- A free Cyber Essentials readiness check and checklist
- Free Core Membership of your regional Cyber Resilience Centre
Past Cyber Essentials funding
Schemes that have funded Cyber Essentials before include the NCSC and IASME Funded Cyber Essentials Programme, the Northern Ireland Cyber Essentials Funded Programme, ScotlandIS Cyber Essentials funding for Scottish SMEs and the SCVO Cyber Essentials Fund for Scottish charities. All are currently closed. See them in the closed schemes list.
Cyber Essentials funding in Yorkshire
There isn’t a Yorkshire-only Cyber Essentials grant open at the moment, but some regional digital grants can include cyber security projects. See funding in Yorkshire.
Frequently asked questions
Is there grant funding for Cyber Essentials?
Sometimes. Government and regional schemes have funded Cyber Essentials in the past, and new schemes open from time to time. Check our funding finder for what’s open now.
Can charities get Cyber Essentials for free?
Registered charities with a turnover under £2 million can have the Supported Service free through our Free Supported Cyber Essentials Certification offer. They pay only the Marking Only fee, from £319 + VAT.
Is there free help to get ready for Cyber Essentials?
Yes. The NCSC Cyber Action Toolkit, a free readiness check and free Cyber Resilience Centre membership can all help you put the basics in place. See free support and tools.
How will I know when new Cyber Essentials funding opens?
We check every listing regularly. Send us an enquiry and we’ll let you know when a scheme opens that fits your organisation.