We fund organisations from any part of the UK whose work has impact across the UK.

Work based in individual countries may be funded where:

• The work is of UK-wide significance - this may be because of the issue tackled, for example, Scotland has the most substantial marine environment in the UK, or because the work is so exemplary or pioneering that it will be of special interest and relevance elsewhere in the UK; or
• The work covers more than one UK country - which could be a single organisation working across borders or a partnership of organisations in different countries; for example, an activity in Wales and NI would qualify; or
• The organisation is working across England

Our Environment category provides for a small number of grants for work in UK Overseas Territories, and exceptionally for marine projects outside UK waters. We only consider applications from UK-based NGOs.

As a responsive funder, we listen to what you judge is important. Our main interest is in supporting small to medium-sized organisations whose work matches our funding priorities. We believe that core funding is usually the most valuable contribution we can make. If you think a project grant would be best, you can apply for that instead.

We are aware that a modest core grant will have a limited impact on the finances of larger organisations. If your turnover is close to £10m a year, it may be better to apply for a project grant.

An individual application or grant does not directly have to relate to all three elements of our aim – relating to people, society and the natural world. An environment grant, for example, might focus on a particular habitat, with the individual and social benefits only becoming evident indirectly or in the longer term.

If you are doing work which fits more than one of our categories, then such applications must be a good match with the criteria of at least one category, with a link to another being a bonus.

We tend to fund organisations working in dance, music, opera and theatre that are directly involved in the delivery of the work created, rather than working through partner venues, festivals or other organisations. Our priority is to support the artistic excellence of the work, rather than its educational value or social benefit – although we recognise that these are both positive additional benefits. We expect applicants to demonstrate their artistic excellence by providing us with evidence of positive audience feedback, awards and accolades and professional reviews.

We recognise that rigorous research and policy analysis can provide the evidence and arguments to advocate for important changes in practice. We prefer to fund this sort of work if it is grounded in real life experience, includes the voices of those affected, and is likely to make a practical difference. When considering such proposals, your track record, expertise, knowledge of the context and understanding of how to effect such change will be important considerations.

Not usually, and not for their core work. Exceptionally, we may consider an application from a specialist unit if you are a centre of excellence and a leader in your field. Your work should:

• be distinctive and likely to make a practical difference
• involve partnerships with charities or NGOs
• have a budget that includes no contribution to overheads
• strongly match our funding interests.

Our minimum grant is circa £10,000. There is no maximum. Last year our grants ranged from £5,000 to £170,000. To get an idea of the kind of grants we award, take a look at the grants list on our website or on 360Giving.

Most of our grants are for two or three years.

Some work strands, such as the Museums and Galleries Fund have an annual application deadline. Please check the website for more information on these.

We will acknowledge your application within one week.

We have a two-stage application process. We aim to deal with all first-stage applications within 10 weeks, though most people will hear more quickly. On the rare occasion an application takes longer, we will be in touch.

Second-stage applicants are asked to apply within a month of being invited to do so. You should receive a decision within a maximum of three months.

One year from the date of the decision.

Ordinarily, we ask you to wait for one year after the grant has ended before you can apply again. We may consider a continuation grant in exceptional cases, such as a time-limited opportunity to change a piece of legislation. In these circumstances, please contact a member of the Grants Team to discuss this.

However, due to the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on the charity sector, we have temporarily suspended the need for organisations we fund to take a break before re-applying to us. We will be reviewing this decision again in December 2020.

We are always happy to discuss potential applications. Before you get in touch, please read our guidance.

We will only make grants to registered, excepted or exempt charities.