Main Grants Programme

The Main Grants programme awards Multi-Year Grants for a period of up to four years and large Single Year Grants. Funding can be offered for special projects, capital grants and core costs such as salaries, rent and utilities. The value of the grant awarded varies according to the size of the charity, the total cost of the project and other funding that has been secured.

Successful applications to the Main Grants Programme will typically have to pass through a four stage process. This process can take up to 9 months.

Applying

  • You can make your application only via our on-line form which is quick and easy to use.
  • You don’t need to do it all at once – you can save your progress and sign back in anytime.
  • We notify all applicants via email on the outcome of their application.
START APPLICATION / RESUME APPLICATION

1. Initial Assessment
This will take place as applications are received. Within 6 weeks of receiving your application you will be notified that either your application has been unsuccessful or that it will go before the Charities Grants Committee.

2. Charities Grants Committee Consideration
The Charities Grants Committee will meet four times a year to consider applications to the Main Grants Programme.


3. Charities Grant Working Group Assessment
Applications being considered through the Main Grants Programme may be visited by the Charities Grants Working Group for a detailed assessment.

4. Charities Grants Committee Decision
The Charities Grants Committee will make a final decision following a report from the working group.

We want to hear about:

  • The type of charity you are
  • The work you do
  • What exactly you will be using our grant for
  • What will be the impact of our grant
  • Will our grant help you secure funding from elsewhere?
  • If you are applying for core funding give us an overview of all the work of your charity and explain how you currently meet these costs

The application form will give you the opportunity to upload two documents. This is where you can add some colour and definition to your request. Case studies, a newsletter, annual review or simply a covering letter can give us a clearer picture of your charity. Don’t upload your audited accounts, we can always get these off the Charity Commission website if we need them.

Finally, how does your website look? If your application has grabbed our attention we will visit your website for further information, so make sure it is up to date and compliments what you have said in your application form.