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Welcome to our new website. You may still see some pages from our old site as we move things over.

How to apply

The application has two stages. At stage one, we ask for an outline of your project. If it fits what we’re looking for, we’ll invite you to give more information at stage two.

Apply online

Continue online application

If you have any communication needs

We want to make the application process as accessible as possible. If you need help or want to apply in a different way, we’re happy to support you. We can also pay for things like BSL interpreters if needed.

You can:

You can also:

  • ask for the form or guidance in a different format
  • apply by email, video or audio

If you apply by video or audio, read our guidance on what to include: How to tell us about your Reaching Communities application in a video or audio recording.

How long does it take to get a decision

Most applications take around 9 months (40 weeks) from start to finish.

The application process has two stages. This usually involves:

  • up to 3 months for a decision at stage one
  • up to 6 months for stage two, where we ask for more details and make a final decision

Some applications take less time, for example, if you’re asking for a smaller amount of funding. Others may take longer, especially if they’re more complex or include land and building work.

If your application reaches stage two, we’ll talk to you about timings and next steps.

Stage one: what to include in your application

This is the first stage of the application process. It’s your chance to tell us about your project and your organisation. We’ll ask you about:

  • what you want to do
  • how your project supports one of our missions
  • who will benefit – especially how you’ll support places, people or communities facing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination
  • how you’ll involve people in shaping the project and influencing decisions that affect them
  • why your organisation or partnership is right to lead the work

You can see the full list of questions in the online application form.

If your stage one application is successful, we’ll invite you to give more information at stage two. If it’s not, we’ll share feedback to help you understand our decision.

Stage two: what we’ll ask if we take your application further

If your application progresses to stage two, we’ll ask for more information before we make a final decision. We’ll ask you to tell us more about:

  • how your project connects with what’s already happening in your community
  • how you build on the strengths of your community – for example, its skills, knowledge or experience
  • how you are working to make things fairer for the people that most need support
  • how you plan to reduce your environmental impact, even if your project isn’t focused on nature or climate – for example, by cutting down waste or using fewer resources
  • how much your project will cost, and a detailed budget to show this

We’ll also ask more about your organisation. This includes:

  • your background – covering your leadership, governance, experience and relevant policies
  • your financial accounts and your current financial position

We expect your organisation to follow our guidance on financial controls and good financial governance.

If you’re applying for more than £20,000 for land or buildings

Projects involving land or buildings often take more time and require extra detail. If this applies to your application, we’ll send you our land and buildings guidance and checklist (PDF, 175 KB). This explains what you’ll need to think about, what information we’ll ask for, and the support we can offer.

You must either own or lease the land or building you want funding for. Your lease or freehold must last at least 5 years from the date the work is complete.

If your project involves children, young people or adults at risk

You must have a safeguarding policy in place that explains how you’ll keep people safe. Any partners involved in the work must have one too.

If you’re awarded funding, you’ll need to meet our expectations on safeguarding children and adults at risk.

You can find useful guidance on the NCVO website, including child safeguarding advice and support services.

If you’re awarded funding

Read our guidance on managing funding over £20,001.

Important information before you apply