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Important notice – extended closure to applications

The Trust temporarily closed for applications at the end of 2024 to facilitate a strategic review and potential changes to its grants programmes. Originally the hope was to complete the review in time to reopen to applications in July 2025, but due to unforeseen circumstances this has not proved to be possible. As a result, the period of closure to new applications has been extended and the Trustees now expect to be able to reopen for applications with the revised programme in place during Spring 2026. The exact date for reopening will be announced on this website in due course.

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.