Grant makers and trusts

There are many sources of funding available for charities through grant makers, trusts and foundations. Most of these will decide whether to award funding according to specific criteria, for example specifying that a particular type of charitable purpose and/or geographical area must benefit. It is important that organisations research potential funders before applying to check they are relevant to their cause

If you are fundraising If you want to set up a trust or foundation

If you are fundraising

Funders usually have their own application procedures. It is important that you are aware of and follow this to increase your chance of success.

Applications are often competitive with multiple organisations bidding for the same funding. If an application is rejected, you should not try to change the funder’s mind unless there are clear mistakes of fact, or there is a specified appeals procedure.

You will usually need referees to vouch for your application and ability to deliver on proposals. Many funders have specific requirements for referees and you should always check what they are.

Statutory funding sources may have additional rules. You should always check and follow these as well as the Code of Fundraising Practice.

For information about trusts and how they work, see the guidance from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF).

As with any charitable funds, you must spend money on the purpose for which it was raised. If there are changes to the way you intend to spend grant money, legally you must first get written approval from the funder.

You can find the standards on making grant applications in section 12 of the code.