What to expect when applying for a grant
Expression of interest
We have 50 funds so to help us establish which fund your project might be eligible for, we ask all
applicants to submit an expression of interest. We will then contact you within approximately two
weeks to let you know whether there are any suitable funds available to match your project in the
current round, if so we will send you an email asking you to complete an online application form.
Completing your application
Please read the email carefully as it will contain essential information for completing your
application. To get started you will simply need to follow the link within the email which will take
you to the online application, you can save and return to this at any time. When you submit your
application you will also need to upload your supporting documents by the round deadline. We are
unable to accept hard copies of application forms or supporting documents.
Assessment
Applications are subject to a detailed assessment and as part of the assessment, you may be
contacted by telephone or the assessor may wish to contact the named referee.
Panel approval
Funding decisions are made by a community grants panel made up of local members of our
communities with a variety of skills, experience and knowledge. Unfortunately we are unable to fund
every application that we receive but where possible we may be able to fund certain aspects of an
application or draw money from a number of funds to fully meet a request. Please note that there is
no right of appeal on award decisions made.
Grant decisions
Once you have been awarded a grant, the Foundation will make the payment on receipt of the
signed Terms and Conditions for Grant Awards which will be issued with the Grant Offer Letter. From
the deadline date we take up to six weeks to inform you of the outcome of your application. We will
let you know if you have been awarded a grant or not via email.
Monitoring and evaluation
The Foundation is keen to establish a two-way relationship with funded groups as this is important
to monitor progress. Groups funded will receive an evaluation form and possible visit by a
representative of the Foundation team to see the progress and the effectiveness of the grant. The
satisfactory completion of the evaluation form is a requirement for any future grant application to
the Foundation.
The Foundation will ask for monies to be returned if, for any reason, the group is unable to use the
grant effectively for its original, defined purpose – unless alternative conditions have been
subsequently agreed in writing. Grants must be used for their stated purpose within one year of
approval. The Foundation will endeavour to support organisations that experience difficulties, but
the responsibility is on the group to keep the Foundation fully informed.
Click here to check when the grant round is open