The Foundation understands that charities are now operating within very different circumstances since the March 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. They are keen to be as flexible as can be in their support of small charities during this difficult and constantly changing ongoing period, while maintaining a focus on those who can demonstrate a clear (usually local) need for their services and financial viability over the twelve months from the date of their application.
Charities can apply for between £1,000 and £10,000. Please note that if successful, the Trustees may award less than the amount requested.
Who can apply
The Small Grants Scheme is designed to support charities registered and operating in the United Kingdom, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities. School PTAs and Friend groups are not eligible to apply. They are unlikely to support newly set up charities without a track record.
Online applications can be accepted from charities that have an annual turnover of less than £150,000 per annum. They take into consideration your latest complete financial year, however, if you expect your turnover to exceed £150,000 in your current financial year, you are unlikely to be supported.
What will be funded
The focus will be to make one-year grants only to cover core costs or essential equipment, to enable ongoing service provision, homeworking, or delivery of online digital services to charities that can show financial stability.
Their priority will be to support local charities still active in their communities which are currently delivering services to the young, vulnerable, elderly, disadvantaged or the general community either directly or through online support if possible.
If applying for funding towards a capital project please apply towards the end of your fundraising campaign, when the majority of funding has been raised and you have an estimated start date for the works. They are unlikely to consider a request if the lease is less than 10 years. If your application is successful, the pledged grant offer is only valid for 12 months.
Applicants must show how any grant will make a significant difference to their current work.
The following should be included in your application:
- the impact of COVID-19 on your organisation to date
- how you have retrenched, reduced staff and other costs, or cut back your normal services
- the impact on your volunteers (if applicable)
- what services you can still provide and to whom and by what means
- how you are implementing/or intend to implement social distancing rules
- what your contingencies or fallback position will be if further lockdown measures, either local or national come into effect
- what your revised COVID-19 affected annual budget, income/expenditure forecast is likely to be
- if you have any reserves and how they are being used to support your charity at this time.
- what income you have raised to date for the current year
- your current shortfall for the year and how you consider that this can be met
- if you are able to access any local government, public agency or lottery funding
- the details of any other funding sources you are applying to
Is there a deadline
There are no deadlines for submission. Online Applications can be received at all times, but it may take up to four months to obtain a decision from Trustees.
If a previous application is declined, the charity is eligible to reapply 12 months after the previous request date.
Further information and details of how to apply
http://www.foylefoundation.org.uk/small-grants-scheme/