Free defibrillators available for community groups through British Heart Foundation

Community groups across the UK can apply for a free defibrillator package through the British Heart Foundation’s Community Defibrillator Funding Programme.

Applications are currently open and are expected to close on 28 February 2027, although the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has advised that this could change depending on the number of applications received.

The programme is open to non-profit, community-focused organisations, including charities, faith organisations, sports groups, social clubs, community centres, parish councils, community interest companies, social enterprises and residents’ associations.

Successful applicants will receive a package which includes a defibrillator with pads and accessories, a non-lockable outdoor cabinet and replacement pads and batteries. Support with installation may also be available where a group cannot arrange this itself.

Who is eligible?

There are a number of conditions that groups need to meet. The proposed defibrillator must normally be at least 200 metres from the nearest public access defibrillator and must be available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It must be installed externally in the cabinet provided, with unrestricted public access and a constant electricity supply. Groups also need permission from the property owner, must install the equipment within four weeks of receiving it and register it with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network.

Successful groups are also expected to undertake the BHF’s free RevivR CPR training and help encourage CPR learning within their community.

The funding is targeted towards communities where defibrillator provision is most needed. Applications are reviewed monthly, with factors including the number of registered defibrillators locally taken into account. Funding is limited, so meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.

Individuals, emergency services, GP and dental surgeries, schools and colleges, military organisations and organisations seeking a mobile defibrillator are among those that cannot apply through this particular programme.

Community organisations interested in applying can find the full eligibility criteria and application form on the British Heart Foundation website.

Find out more and apply:
Apply for a free community defibrillator – British Heart Foundation