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Important notice – closing for applications

The Trust will temporarily be closed to applications with effect from 15 November 2024. We are sorry but no applications received after that date and before we reopen will be considered. This closure will enable the Trustees to review their strategy, and it is likely that changes will be made to the grants programme. We expect to be able to accept applications for our revised programme from around midsummer 2025. The date will be announced on this website in due course. Applications made before 15 November as part of capital appeals which will still be running in autumn 2025 are unlikely to succeed.

If your charity has received a grant, it will still be expected to comply with reporting requirements. The Grants Office will be staffed from time to time and if you have any queries, please email us.

 
 
'FAQs' title (tree bark)  

Frequently-asked questions

Q: Although we are not yet registered as a charity, we are a non-profit making body doing charitable work; may we apply?

A: No. Only UK registered charities or those properly exempt qualify for grants.

Q: Can community interest groups apply?

A: No.

Q: I am an individual who is raising money for a charity that fits your guidelines; may I apply?

A: No.

Q: We have several projects and are unsure which will stand the best chance of success; may I apply for more than one?

A: Yes, you can apply for more than one project, but you should telephone or email the grants administrator for advice before doing so.

Q: We are a charity that struggles to raise running costs and cannot therefore submit a separate project for funding; may we apply?

A: You may apply for unrestricted funding if, having read the guidance, you think you can convince us of your need.

Q: How much should I apply for?

A: Grants vary in size and depend on a number of factors including the total funding requirement, charity size, purpose, and the amount that we have available for distribution. It is generally advisable to tell us what the project will cost, how much is raised so far, and potential for other funding, and the Trustees will then reach their own conclusions and award an amount they consider appropriate. Similarly they will decide how much unrestricted funding to award in the light of the information you give them, but note that this is very unlikely to exceed £10,000.

Q: Are grants payable over a period of time, say for 2 to 3 years?

A: Grants are usually one-off payments and we rarely commit to future funding. However, we are happy to receive separate applications on successive years even if for the same project (where for example a large capital appeal is running for some time).

Q. We received a grant last year; may we apply again?

A. Yes, you may apply every year irrespective of whether you are successful or not, but you should leave at least twelve months between applications.

Q: Can I email my application?

A: Yes.

Q: Will you want a report after a grant has been paid?

A: We ask applicants to submit a short update on projects to which we have contributed at a specified date the following year. Failure to update us is taken into account when considering future applications.

Q: Can we publicise your involvement if we receive a grant?

A: No, we do not like any publicity. This is not however a secrecy provision and you may tell anyone who needs to know, including other potential funders or other charities who may wish to approach us. But please do not name us in your advertising literature or, for instance, your annual review.