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

Who can apply

You can apply if your organisation is a:

  • constituted voluntary or community organisation
  • constituted group or club
  • registered charity
  • charitable incorporated organisation (CIO)
  • not-for-profit company
  • community interest company (CIC)
  • school, if the project helps the local community, not just the school
  • statutory body (including local authorities, town, parish, and community councils)
  • community benefit society

Requirements for board or committee members

You must have at least two directors who are not related.

We consider people related if they:

  • are married or in a civil partnership
  • are in a long-term relationship or living together
  • are part of the same family

Schools and organisations working with a school

We can fund schools or organisations working with schools if your project clearly benefits the wider community, not just pupils, teachers, or parents.

We’re looking to fund projects that:

  • bring the local community and school together
  • use school spaces or resources for community activities outside of school hours
  • help people in the wider community connect, learn, or take part in something meaningful

Projects must go beyond the school’s usual responsibilities. For example, we can’t fund things like:

  • curriculum-based activities or anything that should happen during the school day
  • improvements to school buildings, outdoor areas, or equipment
  • training for school staff or education-focused support
  • school trips, after-school clubs, or alternative learning environments

If you’re unsure whether your idea is eligible, check with us before you apply. Contact us.

Political activity and campaigning

We can fund some political activity and campaigning. But only if:

  • the activity is not party political. This means that it must be about policy, practice, or legislation rather than opposing or supporting a political party
  • the activity is meant to help the cause of your organisation and benefit the public or society

We will not fund projects where political activities are the main purpose. But we can fund projects that are mainly about campaigning.

Sports, arts, or heritage projects

We fund projects that strengthen communities and create positive change.

Projects based on sports, arts, or heritage are eligible if they do more than provide the activity. For example, an online dance group for young people that also reduces loneliness or supports mental health.