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Welcome to our new website. You may still see some pages from our old site as we move things over.

What you can spend the money on

What you can spend the funding on

You can use the funding for things like:

  • staff costs
  • volunteer expenses
  • general project costs
  • engagement activities
  • learning and evaluation — including sharing what you learn
  • communications and campaigns
  • utilities and day-to-day running costs
  • organisational development and management
  • costs that help you support communities or smaller partner organisations
  • equipment
  • delivering your project in other languages, such as Welsh

Political activity and campaigning

We can fund some political activity, as long as:

  • it’s not party political — it must focus on policy, legislation or practice, not support or oppose a political party
  • it supports your organisation’s cause and benefits the public

We cannot fund projects where political activity is the main purpose. But we can fund projects that are mostly about campaigning, if they meet the criteria above.

What you cannot spend the money on

We cannot fund:

  • activities that generate private profit
  • religious activities (though we can fund religious organisations if the project benefits the wider community and does not include religious content)
  • anything that replaces government funding, for example, school activities that happen during teaching hours
  • activities that only benefit individuals, rather than a wider community
  • political activity that supports or opposes a political party
  • costs you've already paid for (we cannot fund retrospective costs)
  • loan repayments
  • topping up reserves
  • travel or projects outside the UK
  • electricity generation, like solar panels

Capital costs and onward granting

We’re unlikely to fund:

  • building or refurbishment work (capital costs)
  • projects that use the money to give out grants to others (onward granting)

If your project involves either of these, you should speak to us before applying.

Environmental impact

We want to support projects that protect the environment. You can read our guidance on:

  • reducing your environmental impact
  • making an environmental action plan

You can also visit our environmental sustainability pages to find learning, insights, and stories from others.

Delivering your project in Wales

If your project will operate in Wales, it must be delivered in both Welsh and English.

See our guidance on managing your project bilingually (PDF, 129 KB).

Safeguarding

If your project works with children, young people or vulnerable adults, you and your partners must have safeguarding policies in place. We may ask to see them if we offer you funding.

Read our safeguarding expectations for organisations we fund.

UK subsidy control commitments

Our grants are public funds. If we fund you, you’ll need to comply with the UK’s subsidy control commitments.

See the UK Government's guidance on subsidy control. We recommend seeking legal advice if you’re unsure.