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) limited by guarantee or limited by shares (if limited by shares, you must follow the Regulator of Community Interest Companies’ guidance on sharing profits)
• school, if the project helps the local community, not just the school
• statutory body (including local authorities, town, parish, and community councils)

Your income

We’re keen to fund smaller organisations too. So we’ll look at your income when we’re making a decision.

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 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 if your idea is eligible, 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.

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.