Assessment time-frame
Once you’ve pressed submit on your application we will check it
is complete and that you have sent all the supporting documents we
need. If anything is missing or we need some further information we
will contact you within 5 working days and give you up to 10
working days to get the information to us.
We assess your application
Once everything is in place we will assess your application.
These two steps combined will take up to 10 weeks. During this
period we may need to contact you about your application and we
would typically do this by email.
Chance of success
Small Grants has limited funds, and we
sometimes have to turn down eligible projects simply because we
don’t have enough money to support everything.
We have analysed the success rates of
over 500 recent applications and found that:
About 23% of applications are unsuccessful
because either the organisation or the activity are
ineligible. Please check that you have all of the essential
documents and that your project is something that we are able to
fund.
About 11% of applications are eligible, but
lack sufficient clarity or detail in one or more areas. We do
our best to understand your project, and will often work with you
to clarify our understanding, It is worth spending some time making
sure your project clearly addresses the above points as this can
improve your chances of success.
This means that around 66% of applications are
successful. However, some applications are clearer than
others. Applications can slways be strengthened and if
we are not in a position to fund every project, we will select
those that most closely meet our criteria.
It is not possible to give precise
information about your likelihood of success, especially without
seeing your completed application form. However, you can
certainly improve your chances by using the guidance on this
website and calling our funding helpline on 0845 8508 508 to help
you write the best possible application.
If you are successful
If you are offered a grant, you will receive
an award pack, stating the purpose of the award and containing the
Terms
and Conditions of the grant contract. It will also contain
various forms that you will need to fill in to accept and claim
your award. Please read your award letter carefully and keep it
safe for future reference. Your grant is intended specifically
for the project you have applied for, and any proposed changes
should be discussed with us in advance.
Before we can pay your grant you will
need to send us:
- Your completed Acceptance and
Claim Form – to be returned within four weeks
- Your completed Referee
Declaration Form – completed by the same referee as detailed
in your application form
- Your completed Bank Details
Form – your account must be in the same name as on your governing
document
- A copy of your most recent
bank statement
- Evidence of compliance with
any specific conditions within your award letter.
If you are unsuccessful
We realise that unsuccessful applicants will
be disappointed, and we have provided the guidance on this website
to minimise the likelihood that this will happen. If your
application is unsuccessful, we will write to you, giving details
of the reasons. Unless your project is ineligible, we
encourage you to re-apply and recommend that you contact your case
assessor (whose details will be in the letter) to discuss the areas
of your application that could be strengthened.