Small Grants Programme
What you need to know
We fund projects that seek to make a difference in children’s lives by helping to prevent or overcome the effects of the disadvantages they face – by either working directly with children or seeking to improve their social and physical environments.
We look for projects where a relatively small donation can make a big difference to these young people. We are unlikely to fund applications for top-up funding for salaries, or larger projects where a small grant would only make a marginal impact on their success.
We seek to support projects that work with children and young people (18 years and under), experiencing disadvantage through:
- Illness, distress, abuse or neglect
- Any form of disability
- Behavioural or psychological difficulties
- Living in poverty or situations of deprivation
Who cannot apply
Generally, we do not provide grants for the following:
- local government or NHS bodies
- projects which promote religion
- political activity, party political organisations or for direct lobbying
- individuals (unless an eligible organisation is applying on their behalf)
- to help with budget shortfalls or debt repayments
- projects unable to start within 12 months of the grant award date
- for unspecified expenditure
Location of work
International & local. We typically aim to support one overseas project as well as one UK charity in a financial year.
Who can apply
Charities and NPO (including social enterprises) of any size, who work with disadvantaged children and young people of 18 years and under.
How to apply
Applicants must submit an initial letter of application by post or email, no longer than two pages. All organisations must include a copy of signed accounts from within the last 18 months. You will receive an email confirming that we have received it
We will then assess your application, taking into consideration all the information you have provided relating to:
- your project and the children you plan to work with
- the differences your project aims to make in the lives of children and young people
- the health of your organisation – such as finances, safeguarding and governance.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet with the trustees. The deadline to apply annually is the last Friday in April, with successful applicants being notified by the last Friday in May
We are interested in learning from all of our funded projects about the difference they make. If successful, we will ask you to measure and evaluate your project and report back to us
If you would like to apply for a grant, click here
