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 or 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

Your income

We prioritise funding for organisations with smaller annual incomes. Because of high demand, organisations with larger incomes are less likely to get funding.

Requirements for board or committee members

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

We consider people to be related if they:

• are married or in a civil partnership
• are in a long-term relationship or live 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 cannot 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.