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Main grants.

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Planning for the future: a temporary pause to our Main grants

We’ve decided to pause our Main grants programme, meaning the next expected opportunity to apply will be in the autumn.

This short pause gives us time to bring in a new, updated grants system and to make some thoughtful changes to improve how we work at the Foundation. We’re using this opportunity to:

  • Streamline our internal processes
  • Improve the experience for applicants
  • Reflect on our funding priorities
  • Review how we assess applications
  • Explore introducing an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage to help groups know sooner if they are likely to be eligible

We know this news might raise some questions, so we want to reassure groups of the following:

  • Our overall grants budget for the year will stay the same – we’re still committed to giving out the same amount of funding as planned
  • Any Additional grants programmes (separate to our Main grants) will continue to run as normal
  • If you’ve already applied for the May deadline, there’s no need to reapply – we’ll automatically move it to the next round
  • We’ll review May applications now and if there are any we don't believe we could fund in the autumn, we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to let you know
  • The changes we’re making are designed to make the process simpler and clearer for everyone applying for a grant in the future

We know how much effort goes into applying for funding, and we want to make sure your time is well spent. Thank you for bearing with us while we make these changes. In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How it works.

Our Main grants are made up of funding from our Donor Advised Funds and our discretionary funds, which our Grants Committee makes decisions on. We manage these funds to help local donors give to causes that they care about. When you apply to our Main grants, which is made up of over 100 funds, we match your application to the relevant funds that support your cause.

Our main grants are awarded through our four funding priorities and range from £1,000 to £10,000. Our current average grant size is just over £5,000. Funding provides support for organisations for up to one year, including both core operational costs and project expenses.

We particularly welcome applications from organisations led by and supporting people from, underrepresented communities. And those from small-to-medium-sized community groups.

Our Funding Priorities.

Our four funding priorities help to bring clarity to the areas we support. Through them, we fund hundreds of charities and community groups across a range of causes, in communities all over Sussex. It’s all part of achieving our vision of a fairer, more equal Sussex.

Tackling Poverty

Reducing poverty and disadvantage in our communities.
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Improving Health

Helping people live longer, better lives.
Learn More

Reaching Potential

Providing life-changing skills, education and training.
Learn More

Acting on Climate

Taking local action for the climate.
Learn More

Check you’re eligible.

Most of our grants are awarded to not-for-profit volunteer-led organisations whose annual income does not exceed £2 million. Make sure to check you’re eligible to apply for our funding before you start an application.

Find out more

Guidance on applying.

Before you start on our application form, make sure you read our full guidance on applying. This includes all the information you need to supply with your application and get ahead on completing the form.

Find out more

Geographical grants.

Some of our funds give grants in specific geographical areas. These funds are included in our Main grant rounds and therefore applications are to be made on our Main grants’ application form.

Find out more about these funds below:

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