FAQs

Do you have an application form?
Yes. All applications for funding should be made using our online form, but please look at our eligibility criteria and areas of interest carefully before submitting your proposal.

Can I submit an application by post or email?
No. The Trust will only accept requests submitted using our online application form. Before completing the form you should read the Our funding page very carefully to assess whether your organisation and proposal are eligible for funding, and then follow the instructions provided in the How to apply section.

Do you fund work in all parts of the UK?
Yes, although most of our grants are awarded to registered charities in England.

Do you fund individuals?
No, we are unable to fund or respond to applications from individuals. You may wish to look at www.turn2us.org.uk for information on organisations that provide grants to individuals.

Do you fund organisations or work based outside the UK?
We are unable to respond to unsolicited applications from organisations working outside the UK.

Do you fund schools, universities or public sector organisations?
No, as a general rule we are only able fund registered charities. Please go to the Our funding page for further guidance.

Do you fund churches or cathedrals?
We sometimes support the charitable work of church organisations where it falls within our Social welfare priorities, and we accept applications for work on buildings of significant importance to our national heritage.

How much can we apply for?
Main grants are typically in the range of £10,000 to £250,000. Small grants of up to £5,000 are also available for smaller charities. We take the overall size of the organisation into account when determining grant sizes and would not normally fund more than 20% of a charity's overall running costs. Please note that you should not apply for more than two years’ funding from the Trust.

Do you fund capital costs?
Yes.

Do you fund salaries and core running costs?
Yes.

Do you respond to all applications?
We respond to all applications that fall within our guidelines and that are successfully submitted using our online form. When you send us your online application, you will automatically receive an email confirming that we have received your application. We aim to tell you within 12 weeks whether we can take your application forward to the next stage. We will not respond to applications from individuals, or for work outside the UK. We will not respond to applications made by post or email.

Do you visit every project?
We visit many projects that are taken forward to the final stage of our main grants programme, but this is not always possible. If we are unable to visit your project, we will usually schedule a telephone call or meeting at the Trust office to discuss your proposal more fully.

How long does it take to award a grant?
For grant requests over £5,000 it usually takes 6-9 months (although this can take longer) for us to reach a final decision. Some small grant applications can be considered between the quarterly trustee meetings, in which case a grant could be awarded in 3 to 6 months.

If we are unsuccessful, how long should we wait before reapplying?
We require a gap of at least 12 months from the date of your refusal email or letter before you can reapply. If we receive another application in under this time, it will not be considered and you will not receive a response.

If we have received previous funding from the Trust, can we apply again?
Yes, we welcome applications from previous grant recipients. However, you should wait at least 12 months from the end of your grant period before reapplying, because we do not generally consider appeals for continuation funding. You will need to check that your work still meets with the Trust’s current areas of interest before applying.

Do you accept applications from organisations other than registered charities?
We accept applications from Community Interest Companies (CICs) and Industrial and Provident Societies. However, if you are representing one of these organisations you should contact us for advice before submitting an online application.

Do you accept proposals for match-funding?
Yes, but make sure you are aware of our anticipated timescales.

Do you accept joint proposals?
Yes, although the lead applicant must be a registered charity.

What is the deadline for our application to be considered at your next trustees’ meeting?
We will be permanently closing to all online applications at 12.00pm on Friday 18th January 2013. No unsolicited applications received after this time will be considered. We aim to notify you within 12 weeks as to whether your application will be considered further. We do not release details of our trustee meeting dates. If you reach stage 3 of the assessment process we shall give you an approximate date by which you will be notified of the outcome of your application. Main grants usually take 6-9 months to award.