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Check you're eligible.

Am I eligible to apply?

Our grants are aimed at not-for-profit volunteer-led organisations whose annual income does not exceed £2 million. We give priority to smaller voluntary groups across Sussex, many with an annual income of less than £100,000. 

Eligibility criteria.

Check to see if your organisation is eligible for a Main grant.

Step 1 of 3

Are you a not-for-profit organisation?(Required)
Was your annual income last year less than £2 million?(Required)

Are you a not for profit organisation?

Your organisations should:

  • Be led by a voluntary governing body (e.g. board or management committee) who are legally responsible for the governance of your organisation.  
  • Have at least three and a majority of unrelated members. By unrelated we mean by birth, marriage, being in a relationship or living at the same address.
  • Allow members to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses but not receive any financial benefit.
  • Use all income and assets for charitable purposes only, with any remaining assets transferred to a charitable organisation upon dissolution.
  • Not distribute profits, dividends, or surplus funds to members or shareholders.  

What you need to apply.

Your organisation does not have to be a charity but it does need to have:
  • A bank account (in your organisation's name) with at least two unrelated signatories.
  • A constitution or governing document with a minimum of three trustees or committee members, in line with the above. 
  • Accounts or records of expenditure.
  • Relevant policies must be in place (e.g., equal opportunities, safeguarding, health and safety). 

For social enterprises, CICs and CLGs.

Social Enterprises, CICs, and Companies Limited by Guarantee are also eligible if they: 

  • Provide a clear public benefit and protect against private benefit. 
  • Have at least three and a majority of unrelated directors. By unrelated we mean by birth, marriage, being in a relationship or living at the same address. The majority of directors should be unpaid.  
  • Have non-executive directors approve any salaries or benefits for paid directors, ensuring they are reasonable and proportionate. 
  • Have an asset lock (for CICs) with charitable objectives similar to those of the CIC. 
  • If a person with significant control is listed on Companies House, we will be in contact to ensure that your organisation meets our eligibility criteria. 

These organisations must confirm that they meet the above conditions when applying and no later than the closing date.

What can’t we fund?

  • Organisations or activities which don’t benefit communities in Sussex
  • Organisations that discriminate unlawfully under the provisions set out by the Equalities Act 2010
  • Organisations where the service provided is used as a vehicle or means to promote religious beliefs
  • Applications from organisations that are part of central, local or regional government
  • Political activities
  • Small contributions to major capital appeals or campaigns
  • Grants which will be used to make awards to a third party
  • Projects which only benefit animals
  • Organisations who have not returned monitoring from previous grant awards
  • Retrospective funding for activities or projects that have already taken place

Get in touch.

We’re here to provide the support you need to make applying for our funding as easy as possible. If you have any questions about this guidance or our application process, please get in touch with our friendly grants team. You can contact us via email or by calling 01273 409 440.

Contact us

Further funding advice.

We’re proud to partner with local VCSE Infrastructure Organisations (often referred to as Voluntary Actions) who provide a range of support for local charities and community groups.

If you are currently not eligible to receive our funding, we recommend contacting your local VCSE Infrastructure Organisation who can help.

Find out more
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