Small grants programme: plans for 2024-25

We are pleased to share our plans for the year ahead for our small grant programme, as we work to transform lives and build sustainable communities.

Our small grants programme is open for non-profit organisations with an income of less than £1m per year to apply for funding during three rounds each financial year. The programme provides awards of up to £5,000 per year for up to three years.

We have been experiencing increasing demands for our funding with very high volumes of applications received over the past year. Having reflected on our approach and how best to manage the programme for both organisations seeking funding and our small team, we have decided to invite applications for specific funding themes at different points in the year.

This year, the application window will open in May, August and February.

Each application window will focus on two funding themes, as follows:

In May, we welcome applications from organisations working across our environment and countryside funding themes.

Environment: protecting and promoting the environment through efforts including habitat restoration, species conservation, carbon savings and sequestration and circular economies.

Countryside: investing in the economic and environmental future of the countryside. This includes grants to support sustainable and regenerative agriculture, nature friendly farming practices and a brighter future for those who live and work in rural communities.

In August, we will welcome applications from organisations working across our education and heritage and conservation funding themes.

Education: supporting education, training and employability opportunities through which young people and adults can fulfil their potential. This includes grants to non-profit organisations working to narrow the attainment gap, support broader education through music, the arts, sports and outdoor pursuits, as well as investing in teachers continuing professional development.

Heritage and conservation: the preservation of historic and culturally important buildings and traditional craftmanship, together with the sustainable regeneration of communities and the built environment across the globe.

In February, we will welcome applications from organisations working across our social inclusion and health and wellbeing funding themes.

Social inclusion: promoting social inclusion for vulnerable and marginalised communities through projects that relieve poverty, loneliness and other social issues.

Health and wellbeing: improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities. Our grants have enabled people with disabilities, those facing life limiting illnesses and people from disadvantaged and marginalised communities to benefit from improved physical and mental health.

We know that many applicants will feel that their project could fit in any of our six funding themes and encourage applicants to carefully consider the best fit for their project.

We seek to support organisations across the four nations – hence we may prioritise certain regions from time to time. This would be publicised on our website and social media before the application window opens.

We will only accept one application to our open grant programmes in any 12 month period. If your application is unsuccessful, you may reapply after 1 year from the date of your original application.