What you can spend the money on

We fund a variety of costs to help your project succeed. These include:

• running costs for your organisation
• one-off events
• equipment
• staff and training costs
• transport and utilities
• volunteer expenses
• small land or refurbishment projects

We encourage you to think about any costs that help your organisation and community cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

What we cannot fund

We cannot fund:

• costs you’ve already paid for
• alcohol
• contingency costs, loans, endowments or interest
• someone else to write your application for you
• activities that make a profit or raise money
• VAT you can reclaim
• religious activities (we can fund religious organisations if the project benefits the wider community and does not include religious content)
• statutory services or activities
• schoolwork support during school hours
• overseas travel
• projects that take place outside the UK
• activities that make a private profit
• giving cash directly to individuals

If you are not sure if something can be funded, contact us.

Political activity and campaigning

We fund some political activities, but only if they:

• are not party-political
• support your organisation's cause and benefit the public

We will not fund projects where political activities are the main purpose.

If you're applying for land, building or refurbishment costs

If you do not own the land or building, you must:

• have a lease of five years or more, or a letter confirming you’ll be granted one
• have written permission from the owner or landlord to do the work

Also you should check if you need planning permission.