How to Apply for Charity Grants: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grant funding is the largest income source for many UK charities — but the process can feel opaque. This guide breaks it down into practical steps.

Where to Find Grants

• 360Giving (threesixtygiving.org) — open data on UK grant-making. Free.
• Funds Online (fundsonline.org.uk) — searchable database of funding bodies
• Foundation Directory Online — international, mostly US but some UK
• Local authority websites — many councils have community grants
• National Lottery Community Fund — the largest funder in the UK
• Government grants (find-government-grants.service.gov.uk)
• Your network — other charities, trustees, umbrella bodies

Before You Apply

1. Read the criteria carefully — don't waste time applying if you don't fit
2. Check the funder's track record — what have they funded before? (360Giving shows this)
3. Contact the funder — many offer pre-application conversations. Always take this up.
4. Have your basics ready:
   • Latest accounts and annual report
   • Governing document
   • Safeguarding policy
   • Equal opportunities policy
   • Project budget

Writing the Application

1. Need (What's the problem?)

Use data and evidence. "42% of families in [area] live below the poverty line" is stronger than "many families are struggling." Include quotes from beneficiaries if possible.

2. Solution (What will you do?)

Be specific. Activities, numbers, timeline. "We will run 24 weekly cooking sessions for 30 families over 6 months" beats "we will provide cooking classes."

3. Outcomes (What will change?)

Define measurable outcomes. "80% of participants will report improved confidence in cooking healthy meals" is what funders want to see.

4. Budget (How much and what for?)

Detailed, realistic, justified. Show exactly what each line item costs and why. Include a contribution from other sources if possible (funders like co-funding).

5. Organisation (Why you?)

Track record, expertise, connection to the community. What makes you the right organisation to do this work?

Common Mistakes

1. Applying to every funder — quality over quantity. 5 targeted applications beats 20 generic ones.
2. Not reading the guidelines — rejection for eligibility failure is entirely preventable
3. Vague outcomes — "helping people" isn't an outcome. "100 people gain employment within 6 months" is.
4. Unrealistic budgets — funders can spot inflated or under-costed budgets
5. No monitoring plan — funders need to know you'll report on impact

After Submission

• Follow the timeline — don't chase before the decision date
• If rejected, ask for feedback — most funders will explain why
• If funded, deliver and report — grant reports build relationships for future funding