Trusthouse Small Grants Programme: Supporting Grassroots Community Projects Across the UK

The Trusthouse Small Grants Programme offers a vital funding opportunity for small charitable organisations dedicated to supporting communities facing significant deprivation across the UK. With grants ranging between £2,000 and £10,000, this programme is tailored to help grassroots organisations strengthen their core operations and expand their reach, particularly in areas of extreme urban and rural poverty.

Overview of the Small Grants Programme

Administered by Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, an independent UK-based funder, the Small Grants Programme is designed to provide flexible, accessible support to community organisations whose annual income does not exceed £250,000. Each year, Trusthouse distributes around £2.5 million in funding, with a focus on community support projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Grants are awarded to cover:

• Core operating costs

• Staff salaries

• Running costs

• Project-specific expenses

Organisations can request up to 50% of the total cost of a project or any individual salary, and must secure the remaining 50% independently. The initiative supports frontline services, directly benefitting individuals and families most in need.

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Who and What Trusthouse Funds

• Charitable organisations (including social enterprises, not-for-profit registered companies and voluntary organisations) in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Small to medium sized local organisations with a demonstrable track record of success working to address local issues in communities of extreme urban deprivation and deprived rural districts
• Revenue costs including core costs, salaries, running and project costs.

You can apply if:

• Your organisation’s postcode falls within the following on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation:
  • if you are located in an urban area, you must be in the bottom 15% most deprived areas
  • if you are located in a rural area, you must be in the bottom 50% most deprived areas
• Your project has a focus on community support
• Your annual income does not exceed £250,000
• You can secure 50% of the total project costs
• You can supply your most recent annual accounts
• You can start spending our grant within 1-2 months of receipt
• You are embedded in your local community

Check your eligibility via this link.

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Re-application Policy

Organisations awarded a Small Grant are eligible to reapply for up to two additional years. However, no further applications can be made after the completion of a third grant. You may only apply for one grant at a time — applications covering more than one cost, or multiple applications to different programmes simultaneously, will not be accepted.

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Application

Before applying, it’s strongly recommended to review the following:

• Small Grants Funding Guidelines

• Application Guidance Document

Eligibility Quiz
Begin by completing the online eligibility quiz to ensure your organisation meets the programme’s requirements. The quiz provides a quick indication but must be supplemented by a full review of the guidelines.

Prepare Your Application
Ensure your application aligns with the programme’s focus and submit clear, concise answers with supporting financial documentation. Clearly outline how your organisation meets the criteria and how the grant will directly benefit your community.

Timing
Applications should be submitted close to the time you require funding, as grants are expected to be spent within 1–2 months of being awarded. Submitting too far in advance may result in your application being declined.

Notes

1. You can only apply for one grant at a time i.e. you cannot apply for two different costs at the same time, whether to the same or different grants programmes.
2. We expect beneficiaries of grants for salaries, core costs, running or project costs to start spending the grant we make within one to two months of the award being made. Please therefore do not apply too far in advance of the time when you need the funding, as your application is very likely to be unsuccessful.

Hints & Tips

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Ready to Apply?

This funding opportunity is ideal for small organisations with big impact — those delivering essential support in under-resourced communities across the UK. If your work is grounded in local realities and aims to uplift individuals through meaningful services, the Trusthouse Small Grants Programme could be the support you need to do even more.

Visit the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation website to:

• Take the eligibility quiz

• Review the Small Grants Funding Guidelines

• Access the full application form

Apply Now – Trusthouse Small Grants Programme

For more opportunities, please visit Opportunities For Youth.