Small grants scheme guidelines
Revised Guidelines for Applications as at 1 June 2020
The Small Grants Scheme will re-open for new applications from 1 June. It will operate until further notice under the following revised criteria for support reflecting the impact of COVID-19.
The Foundation understands that charities are now operating within very different circumstances since the March 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. They are keen to be as flexible as can be in their support of small charities during this difficult and constantly changing ongoing period, while maintaining a focus on those who can demonstrate a clear (usually local) need for their services and financial viability over the twelve months from the date of their application.
Who can apply
Their Small Grants Scheme is designed to support charities registered and operating in the United Kingdom, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities. Please note we are not able to support individuals.
Online applications can be accepted from charities that have an annual turnover of less than £150,000 per annum. Larger or national charities will normally not be considered under this scheme.
Please note that they expect competition for funding to be intense and that they will receive many more applications than we are able to fund.
What the Foundation will Fund
Their focus will be to make one-year grants only to cover core costs or essential equipment, to enable ongoing service provision, homeworking, or delivery of online digital services to charities that can show financial stability.
Their priority will be to support local charities still active in their communities which are currently delivering services to the young, vulnerable, elderly, disadvantaged or the general community either directly or through online support if possible.
At present, it will not be a priority to consider building projects unless these are for essential repairs or re- equipping, in order for you to carry out your work more efficiently or cost effectively and where you can demonstrate why there is an immediate need to carry out these works.
Until Spring 2021 they are unlikely to consider activities which involve social gatherings. In certain circumstances where social distancing prevailing rules can be maintained they may consider this by exception. Please email the Foundation to discuss this further before making any application to us. They will keep this issue under review and update our guidance to applicants periodically.
Applicants must show how any grant will make a significant difference to their current work.
Charities must illustrate ongoing financial viability over the twelve months from the date of their application. Please note that demonstrating ongoing sustainability in the current uncertain climate is vitally important. If you cannot demonstrate this, your application is likely to be declined. For example, you must let us know:
- the impact of COVID-19 on your organisation to date
- how you have retrenched, reduced staff and other costs, or cut back your normal service
- the impact on your volunteers (if applicable)
- what services you can still provide and to whom and by what means
- what your revised COVID-19 affected annual budget, income/expenditure forecast is likely to be
- if you have any reserves and how they are being used to support your charity at this time.
- what income you have raised to date for the current year
- your current shortfall for the year and how you consider that this can be met
- if you are able to access any local government, public agency or lottery funding
- the details of any other funding sources you are applying to
How much can you apply for
Charities can apply for between £1,000 and £10,000.
When Can You Apply?
There are no deadlines for submission. Online Applications can be received at all times, but it may take up to three months to obtain a decision from Trustees.
When an application is declined, the charity is eligible to reapply 12 months after the previous request date. (If you have been declined within the last few months, prior to 1 June 2020, please email us to discuss your specific situation).
If an application is approved, the charity is eligible to re-apply to the Foundation from 12 months after the approval date. Please note that once you have received a grant from The Foundation it is unlikely that you will be a priority for funding in the following year.
Other information
If a grant is awarded it can only be used for expenditure or purchases after the grant is approved. The Foundation does not support retrospective funding.
Please note that we purposely do not have a word limit to allow applicants the space to give us the information necessary to explain the project and the need for funding, but please keep answers relevant, clear and succinct.
Further information regarding the scheme, attachments and the application from can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions.