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What we need to know when you apply

You can see a complete list of questions from the application form.

You can apply for funding to:

  • start a new activity

  • deliver an existing activity

  • help your organisation adapt to new or future challenges

When applying for funding, it’s important that we understand your project and how it will benefit your community.

What your project should aim to do

We can fund projects that’ll do at least one of these things:

  • bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities

  • improve the places and spaces that matter to communities

  • help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage

  • support people, communities and organisations facing more demands and challenges because of the cost-of-living crisis

Your project should involve your community

We want to fund projects that are designed around community needs, shaped by the people they aim to support, and based on real local knowledge.

People know best what’s needed in their own communities. Involve them from the start, in designing, developing and delivering your project.

What do we mean by community?

When we say community, we mean:

  • people living in the same area

  • people with shared interests or life experiences, even if they don’t live near each other

Find out what matters to your community

You could:

  • do a survey to gather views

  • hold a meeting or community event to share ideas

  • make phone calls to check in with people directly

  • speak with local organisations or community leaders

Involve people in running your project

Think about how the people your project supports could:

  • volunteer with your organisation

  • join your board or committee

  • work for you in some way

Bank account and statement requirements

We need a bank statement from the last 3 months to check the account where we'll pay your funding.

Your bank account and statement must meet our requirements. If they do not, you’ll need to reapply when they do.

You must provide a:

What your bank statement must show

Your recent bank statement or transaction listing must show:

  • your organisation’s legal name

  • the address statements are sent to

  • the bank’s name and logo

  • your account number and sort code

  • the date range the statement covers

See an example of a bank statement we'd accept. If you're sending us a bank welcome letter, it must:

  • show the date the account was opened

  • have a date from the last 3 months

  • show the name of the bank account (this should be the legal name of your organisation)

  • show your account number and sort code  

Give us details for 2 different people in your organisation

We will ask for names, home addresses, dates of birth and email addresses for 2 people. Each person must have a different email address.

These 2 people must meet the following:

  • one must be the main contact for the project

  • the other must be a senior staff member who will be legally responsible for the funding

  • both must live in the UK

They must not be related. This includes being:

  • married or in a civil partnership

  • in a long-term relationship

  • related through a long-term partner

  • living at the same address

  • related by blood

Tell us about your organisation’s accounts

We will ask for the end date of your financial year and your most recent annual income.

If you do not have yearly accounts because your organisation is new (less than 15 months old), that is not a problem. You can still apply.

If you’ll be working with children, young people or vulnerable adults

You need to have a policy in place that explains how they’ll be safe. If you get funding, you’ll need to follow our expectations on safeguarding children and adults at risk.

The NCVO website has child safeguarding advice and information services.