Does your small charity need core funding to cover running costs, business sustainability, or organisational development? These five funders are currently open for applications and offer core or unrestricted funding to help small charities thrive.

 The Fore

• What they fund: Unrestricted grants of up to £30,000 over one to three years.
• Who can apply: UK-registered charities, CICs, and social enterprises with annual income under £500,000.
• Focus: Transformational impact – helping organisations grow, become more sustainable, or take a major step forward.
• Next round: Autumn 2025 registration opens 22–29 July 2025.

Garfield Weston Foundation

• What they fund: Core, project, and capital costs. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £100,000+.
• Who can apply: UK charities of all sizes, including small and grassroots organisations.
• Focus: Broad – including welfare, youth, community, environment, education, health, arts, and heritage.
• Application: Rolling basis, apply anytime.

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

• What they fund: Mostly core or unrestricted funding, typically for 3–5 years. Minimum grant is £30,000.
• Who can apply: Charities and other not-for-profits doing legally charitable work.
• Focus: Natural world, fairer future, and creative, confident communities.
• Application: Rolling – submit an Expression of Interest at any time.

The Allen Lane Foundation

• What they fund: Core, start-up, or project costs. Grants up to £15,000 (average £5,000–£6,000).
• Who can apply: Small charities and voluntary groups with income under £100,000 (local) or £250,000 (national).
• Focus: Marginalised groups – including refugees, older people, offenders, and those facing mental health challenges.
• Application: Rolling – trustees meet three times a year.

The National Lottery Community Fund

• What they fund: Core and project costs through programmes like Awards for All (up to £20,000) and Reaching Communities (over £20,000).
• Who can apply: Voluntary and community organisations, including small charities.
• Focus: Community-led projects that improve lives and strengthen communities.
• Application: Rolling – apply anytime.

Save this post for your next funding application—or share it with a colleague who needs it!