Funding and income

General funds (listed A-Z)

Funds with upcoming deadlines in 2025

Arts for Everywhere (British Government) Deadline: to launch in April. Arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings will receive a share of more than £270 million, targeted at organisations in urgent need of financial support to keep them up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve long term financial resilience. The Creative Foundations Fund supports urgent capital works for venues, Museum Renewal Fund to help keep civic museums open and the Heritage Revival Fund to empower local people to take control of and look after local heritage.

Biffa Award Deadline: for the Partnership Grants Scheme the deadline for an Expression of Interest is midday on Friday 30 May. Applications under other grant themes (Nature Recovery, Community Buildings, Recreation and Cultural Facilities) are accepted anytime. ​Biffa Award offers grants to community projects near landfill sites, aiming to enhance community facilities and biodiversity. Partnership Grants offers funding between £250,000 and £1 million and other themes funding between £10,000 and £75,000. Projects must be located within 15 miles of a significant Biffa operation or active landfill site, and within 10 miles of any licensed landfill site (see website for eligibility checker). A third-party contribution of 10% of the grant amount is required.

Big Give Anchor Fund Deadline: for campaigns on the platform that launch or close by Monday 30 June. To help charities run their own match funding campaigns, this is an opportunity for registered charities with an annual income over £25,000 to receive additional funding from Big Give. Big Give will contribute £1,000 of match funds for every £4,000 in ‘pledges’ that charities raise from their own major donors, up to a maximum of £10,000 per charity.

Brewers Foundation Deadline: none given. Apply for a part of their £50,000 annual pot for sponsorship and donations of paint to transform vital spaces. If you are part of a project that Brewers can help make the world a brighter place.

D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust Deadline: Tuesday 3 June. For registered charities only. Apply for a grant of between £500 and £6,000 where it will make a major difference to your projects under one of these themes: the arts, medical welfare or the environment. Please see their guidelines for more details.

Focus Foundation Deadline: portal re-opening on Sunday 1 June for Thursday 31 July deadline. Grants of between £2,000 and £8,000 (on average) available for charities or community groups with an annual income under £1 million, who need funding for a whole project which helps socially or economically underprivileged children or young people, or projects supporting mental health. Projects under their ‘Community’ pillar must be based in West Sussex.

The Grocers’ Charity Deadline: Friday 5 September (for an initial inquiry). For registered charities with an annual income under £500,000. Apply for up to £5,000 under various themes: Relief of poverty, Elderly, Disability and Inclusion, Health, Military, Heritage and the Arts, Environment and Conservation and Children and Young People.

The Headley Foundation Deadline: Wednesday 4 June. For registered charities only with an income under £1m. Grants of around £5,000 (small charities from £250, occasionally larger sums given) for projects improving the lives of young people, the disabled, terminally ill patients and others in need such as carers, ex-offenders, and homeless people.

Heritage Revival Fund Deadline: up to 31 March 2026. This fund supports community organisations to take ownership of and/or adapt the use of historic buildings (i.e. for community use). With a focus on buildings in town centres, funding is available for things such as feasibility studies, development of business plans, design, surveys, and the costs of acquiring and renovating buildings.

Imagine Foundation Deadline: application window during April. If your organisation is less than 4 years old and has an annual income of less than £100,000, serves an under-served community within the UK (geographic or socio-economic), works to empower individuals or communities, by building their capacity to overcome challenges, uses participatory activity to inspire and model change and is willing to share its learning across the network of Imagine Foundation partners then this funding could be for you.

Lloyds Bank Foundation Racial Equity Programme Deadline: Thursday 29 May. For registered charities or CICs which are led by and working with people who are experiencing economic inequity because of their race or ethnicity. Apply for £75,000 over 3 years of unrestricted funds. Your organisation’s annual income must be between £25,000 and £500,000 with a track record of delivering services to over 18s.

Movement for Good (Benefact Group) Deadline: there are 6 £1,000 draws in 2025. These awards are the Benefact Group’s annual programme of giving, which includes £1,000 donation draws, £5,000 Special Draws (see website for themes and deadlines) and Partnership Funding (launching in May).

Postcode Society Trust Deadline: opens Monday 26 May, closes Monday 2 June at midday. Up to £25,000 of unrestricted funding available to organisations with an annual income under £1m. If they are oversubscribed, they will prioritise organisations with an annual income of under £250,000. Amount requested should not exceed 1/3 (one-third) of your total income. Funding themes include:
• Enabling participation in physical activity
• Enabling participation in the arts
• Preventing or reducing the impact of poverty
• Supporting marginalised groups and tackling inequality
• Improving biodiversity and responding to the climate emergency
• Improving green spaces and increasing access to the outdoors
• Providing support to improve mental health

Rampion Community Benefit Fund (through Sussex Community Foundation) Deadline: 5pm Friday 2 May. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for community projects in the Rampion area of benefit or a grant of up to £20,000 for capital projects to improve community buildings (energy conservation /renewable energy generation). For projects over £10,000 please contact the Grants Manager before applying. Priority will be given to projects that support long term initiatives that mitigate against an increase in energy costs and support sustainable buildings.

Screwfix Foundation Deadline: Saturday 10 May. Grants up to £5,000 to registered charities and not for profit organisations. Prioritising those that will create a longer-term difference and where their donation will make an impact and fund the total cost (or the majority) of a project.

Southover Manor Trust Deadline: Tuesday 30 September. Funding available for organisations (such as youth clubs, PTAs and others who provide education and learning enhancement) that support the learning of young people under the age of 25. Grants for things such as development of buildings, new learning resources and outdoor learning and playground equipment.

Wesleyan Foundation Community Grants Deadline: Monday 21 April. Grants from £2,000 up to £10,000 for a one-year project available to organisations with an annual income under £500,000. The amount that you apply for must be no more than 20% of your organisation’s annual income. Projects should support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (i.e. work towards climate action, quality education, gender equality, health and wellbeing, and reducing inequalities.) Examples of activity: mental health support, support of the vulnerable and elderly, projects that challenge discrimination, tree planting, litter picking, domestic violence support and projects that help with the cost of living.

Funds you can apply to anytime

Alpkit Foundation Grants between £50 to £500 available for grass roots not for profit organisations, including community groups. For projects that encourage people to experience the benefits of getting outdoors; encourage responsible outdoor activity, have long lasting benefits, introduce new people to get outdoors and demonstrate value for money.

Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants Grants between £1,000 and £100,000 for projects lasting up to 3 years. For creative and cultural projects that directly create and deliver creative and cultural activity with a long-term positive impact. Includes music, dance, visual arts, festivals. See their website for current ‘time-limited priorities’.

Architectural Heritage Fund (Project Viability Grants) Grants up to £15,000 to support early-stage feasibility work on historic building projects. This is Stage 1, Expression of Interest. You will then be invited to Stage 2 (full application) to access Project Development Grants of up to £20,000. This stage has set deadlines and can cover some of the costs of developing and co-ordinating your project and taking it towards the start of work on site.

BBC Children in Need – Project Cost and Core Cost grants Expression of Interest form submitted, then you’ll be invited to apply. From £1,000 to £40,000 available per year for up to 3 years for projects that focus on addressing issues of disadvantage affecting children and young people. UPDATE: this will be closing to new applications from Tuesday 15 April until the end of September.

Building On Overlooked Sporting Talent (BOOST) Provides funding and support to inspiring programmes which help improve the lives of the disadvantaged and disabled through the power of sport. Focus is on five areas of disadvantage: physical and learning disabilities, financial hardship, mental health, social exclusion and medical research and relief. Application is by 2-page letter (including budget and amount requested). Small awards: up to £750. Larger awards: over £750.

Chalk Cliff Trust Grants of between £3,000 and £5,000 available to organisations for community initiatives. This could include: youth schemes and activities, children’s activities, caring for the elderly, activities for people with learning difficulties or disabilities, activities caring for or preserving the environment or arts, music, literature and cultural projects.

Charles Hayward Foundation Small Grants Programme – Older People Grants of up to £7,000 available for registered charities only. They want to fund preventative and early intervention programmes delivered at a community level, allowing older people to stay in their own homes and remain independent. Also, programmes which can demonstrate their effectiveness in improving the quality of life of older people. Projects should have a consistent and sustained benefit rather than one-off event or short-lived activities. Decision within 4 months.

The Clothworkers’ Foundation Open Grants Programme for registered charities and CICs only, where 50% of your service users fall within their 10 programme areas (e.g. Communities Experiencing Racial Inequalities, LGBT+ Communities or Economic Disadvantage). Funding available for capital costs only – you don’t specify the amount (smaller projects are those with a balance of less than £15,000, larger projects are considered £100,000+ and they will generally fund 10% of the remaining balance). Decisions on grants over £15,000 take 6 months.

The Dodgson Foundation Projects particularly aimed at the over 55s who are living in deprivation anywhere in Sussex.

Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust  For Small grants under £10,000. For registered charities only; for start-up, core or specific project costs.

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation awards grants with the aim of improving the natural world, securing a fairer future and strengthening the bonds in communities in the UK.

Focus Foundation For charities or community groups with an annual income under £2 million, who need funding for a whole project which helps socially or economically underprivileged children or young people, or projects supporting mental health.

Garfield Weston Foundation Registered charities only, that make a positive difference. Sectors covered include: welfare, youth, community, environment, education, health, arts, heritage and faith. 2 levels of funding available, which can be used for capital, revenue or project costs: 1) Regular Grants up to £100,000 2) Major Grants of £100,000 and above (for organisations with an income over £1 million).

HDH Wills Charitable Trust For registered charities only, who are concerned with the preservation of wildlife and the environment, grants of between £500 and £2,000 are available. Organisations must be small enough in size or are applying for support for a modest project such that the charity will benefit substantially from a donation.

The Henry Smith Charity is an independent grant making trust funding organisations who help reduce social and economic disadvantage. Main programmes closed June 2024, due to re-launch in Spring 2025.

Marsh Charitable Trust Grants between £300 to £2,000 for small registered charities only for items such as volunteer expenses, training days, equipment maintenance and other core outgoings. Charities must work in one of the following areas: social welfare, healthcare, arts and heritage, environmental and animal welfare, education and training.

Matthew Good Foundation – Grants for Good Fund For organisations who are “small and growing” and have an annual income under £50,000. If you make a big impact on communities, people or the environment you can apply to be shortlisted. Your application will then be voted on by employees and will receive the following: first place – £5,000, second place – £3,500, third place – £2,500, fourth and fifth place – £2,000.

Morrisons Foundation For grants of up to £10,000 for registered charities only. For projects that improve people’s lives under at least one of their funding objectives: 1) Tackling poverty and social deprivation; 2) Enhancing community spaces, facilities and services; 3) Improving health and wellbeing.

The National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All Grants up to £20,000 for up to 2 years.  For groups that build strong relationships in communities, improve places and spaces, help people reach their potential or support people facing increased challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The National Lottery Community Fund Reaching Communities

Grants from £20,001 for up to 5 years. For projects that:

• support places, people or communities experiencing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination, and
• support people and communities to shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Projects must achieve one or more of the following missions of supporting communities to:

• Come together, through inclusive places, spaces and activities (either physical or virtual). Especially for communities where people are least able to come together.
• Help children and young people thrive, by developing positive social and emotional skills.
• Be healthier, by addressing health inequalities. And helping prevent poor health.
• Be environmentally sustainable. By engaging with climate issues and having a positive environmental impact. And improving access to quality natural spaces.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund For grants between £10,000 and £250,000. For organisations looking to care for and sustain heritage where your new project (it can’t have already started) is about saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation, and organisational sustainability. NB 20% of the payment will be made after your project has finished (in arrears). The Heritage Fund recently announced they have simplified their application process.

The Paley Trust Grants under £1,000 available for not-for-profit organisations that enhance the well-being of people aged over 60 in Brighton and Hove. Activities can include exercise groups, music groups, outings, social activities, equipment, and contributions to running costs.

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation works collaboratively with organisations and individuals who are working to build a just society. Their funds focus on the arts, education and learning, migration and young people. They only fund work that is charitable, and it takes about 4 to 6 months from application to decision.

Sport England Movement Fund  Between £300 and £15,000 available for projects that tackle inequalities and help get more people active (promote physical activity), for people that face barriers. For example, active travel, walking, cycling, dance, fitness and sports activities. Funding is awarded as either a contribution to a crowdfunding campaign or as a grant (Sport England will assess this). This fund replaces their Small Grants scheme and Active Together fund. February update: Sport England say they are currently prioritising organisations who have been effected by extreme weather and need emergency funds to help restore their sports facilities so activities can resume.

Stobart Sustainability Fund Applications for green, ecological or sustainability projects or initiatives that benefit the environment. Must be able to explain how it will positively impact the environment and support creating a sustainable world. Short form completed and someone from Stobart will get in touch. No restrictions on type of organisation that can apply (talks about community groups in publicity).

Tesco Stronger Starts (managed by Groundwork) Grants of up to £1,500 available to organisations that provide food and support to young people. Every three months, 3 causes are selected to be in the blue token customer vote in Tesco stores. This is a rolling programme and voting takes place continuously; it make take up to 12 months until you know the outcome. 2nd place wins £1,000, 3rd place wins £500.

Trusthouse Charitable Foundation Supports initiatives improving the lives of people living in either urban deprivation (areas with a population of more than 10,000 people with a postcode that is within the most deprived 15% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation). Or deprived rural districts (areas with  a population less than 10,000 people with a postcode that is within the most deprived 50% of the Index of Multiple Deprivation). Grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 available under ‘Community Support (Small Grants)’ or between £10,000 and £50,000 (can be multi-year) under Family Support (Major Grants).

First steps for fundraising

If you’re starting on your fundraising journey, your first steps will involve:

• developing a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your project
• being certain that your project is needed
• knowing how much your project will cost
• creating a clear plan as to how you’re going to raise those costs

There are lots of resources that you can use to help you with your planning. If you are a community group, we recommend the Resource Centre website as an excellent starting point.