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How to apply for a medium grant

Start by getting in touch

Before you apply, we’d like to have an informal chat about your idea. You do not need to prepare anything. It’s just a chance for us to hear what you’re thinking and help you decide if this funding is a good fit.

To arrange a chat:

We’ll connect you with a funding officer in your area within 5 working days.

If your project is eligible, we’ll then send you a link to the online application form.

If you need communication support

If it’s difficult or not possible for you to apply online, let us know. We can offer other ways to apply, such as:

  • an Easy Read version of the form and guidance
  • a PDF version of the application form

Contact us if you have any communication support needs.

What we ask in the application form

You can view a full list of the application questions.

We’ll ask about:

  • what your project will do
  • how you’re involving your community
  • how you’ll deliver the work
  • how you’ve considered the project’s impact on the environment

If you're applying for a vehicle

You’ll need to send us:

  • an options appraisal showing you’ve considered different travel solutions
  • vehicle specification
  • budget covering the full funding period
  • 3 quotes to buy the vehicle

Read our vehicle funding guidance (PDF, 776 KB).

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

Check if you need planning permission.

Before you apply, read and complete the guidance and checklist for capital projects (PDF, 666 KB). Upload it with your application.

If you're applying for funding to help plan land or building work

We’ll ask you:

  • how you'll get your project to stage 4 of the RIBA Plan of Work
  • what the funding will be used for

If you have questions, contact us:

Information we need about your organisation

We’ll ask for:

  • your organisation’s legal name, address, and type
  • any registration numbers (such as charity or company numbers)
  • your most recent accounts
  • 12-month projections if you’ve been running for less than 15 months

Check this information carefully – mistakes may delay your application.

2 named people

You must give us the details of 2 different people from your organisation. They must:

  • live in the UK
  • have different email addresses
  • not be related

We need their:

  • full contact details
  • home addresses
  • dates of birth

One person should be the main contact for your application. The other must be a senior member of your organisation who will be legally responsible for the funding.

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 related by blood or through a partner
  • live at the same address

Terms and conditions

You must read and agree to our terms and conditions.

If your application includes land, building, vehicle or refurbishment costs, read the capital terms and conditions.

What happens after you apply

We aim to make a decision within 15 weeks. After you apply, we’ll:

  • We assess your application and carry out checks on your organisation and project. We may get in touch if we need more detail
  • If your project includes land, building, vehicle or refurbishment costs, we may ask for more information – like drawings, consents, or surveys

If you're successful, we’ll email you with the decision. A funding officer will contact you within 2 weeks to:

  • talk you through the grant contract
  • agree a start date
  • explain how the funding will be paid

Starting your project

You can start your project once you’ve agreed to the contract. You must start within 6 months of receiving the offer email.

You should spend the funding as described in your application, unless we’ve agreed to changes. We may check in with you as the project runs.

Find out how to manage your funding.

Telling your community

Let people know about your grant and your work. It’s a great way to keep your community involved.

Your award email will include guidance on how to promote your project.

You can also read more about how to share your story.

How we use your data

To see how we use your personal information, read our privacy notice.