BBC Children In Need, project funding and core funding – rolling funding

Article date
2 October 2025
Primary interest
Voluntary sector
Introduction – overview of the funding

BBC Children in Need funds vital support for children and young people struggling with challenges caused by mental health, poverty, social inequity and family-related issues.  Their ambition is that every child and young person should have the chance to thrive and be the best they can be.

Through their grant-funding, they can support not-for-profit, community-based organisations in their work to help address some of the day-to-day challenges that impact on children and young people up to the age of 18 years, living in the UK.

They offer two funding streams: project funding, and core funding

Who is eligible to apply?

Not-for-profit organisations that work with disadvantaged children and young people aged 18 years and under.

What are the funder priorities?
  • Working with children and young people aged 18 years and under
  • Working in the heart of their communities
  • Putting children and young people at the centre of everything they do, from design to delivery
  • Addressing challenges faced by children and young people, building their skills and resilience
  • Empowering children and young people, and extending their choices in life
  • Keen to keep learning about and developing their work with children and young people
  • Committed to making a difference in children and young people’s lives
How much can organisations apply for?

Project funding supports the aims and delivery of a specific piece of work. This work will usually be time-limited, and based on a defined set of activities.

Core Costs funding supports essential organisational and administrative spending. These are the key expenses required to keep your organisation running. 

Applicants under either programme can apply for funding for up to three years. They aim to give quicker decisions for grants of £15,000 or less per year.

What the funding can be used for

Project funding or core costs depending on which stream you apply for. See links below for more information on what is covered.

Is there a deadline?

No, this is rolling funding and you can apply at any time.

They receive a very high number of applications between October and January. If you submit a form during these months, it may take longer to get a decision.

Find out more/how to apply
Further support

For further support from RVA with preparing your application or your policies and procedures required for this funding, contact Herjeet Vass at herjeet.vass@rva.org.uk.