Tees Better Future Fund Supports Education and Wellbeing Projects (UK)

Deadline: 01-May-2026

The Tees Better Future Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 to non-profit organisations within 30 miles of Tees offices, supporting projects in learning, education, and health and wellbeing. Priority is given to initiatives enhancing mental health for children, young people, and families, and projects that foster engagement between funded organisations and Tees staff.

Programme Overview

The Tees Better Future Fund aims to strengthen community initiatives that enhance learning, education, health, and wellbeing. Special emphasis is placed on supporting mental health programs for children, young people, and their families. The fund also encourages collaboration and meaningful engagement between funded organisations and Tees employees through volunteering, shared activities, or the use of meeting spaces.

Key Priorities

Funded projects typically focus on:

• Learning and educational programmes for children and young people.

• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including mental health support.

• Opportunities for interaction and collaboration with Tees staff.

• Projects where Tees funding is the primary source or represents at least 50% of project costs.

• Initiatives that are either new services or expand existing services in terms of beneficiaries, services, or geographic coverage.

Who is Eligible?

• Organisations: Non-profit organisations legally established and operating within 30 miles of a Tees office.

• Geographic Coverage: Areas around Tees offices in Cambridge, Saffron Walden, Chelmsford, Bishop’s Stortford, and North Hertfordshire.

• Types of Projects: Initiatives focusing on education, health, wellbeing, or mental health for children, young people, and families.

Funding Details

• Grant Amounts: Up to £5,000 per project.

• Available Funds: Approximately £15,000 per panel round, enabling multiple projects to receive support.

• Funding Criteria: Clear project budget, beneficiary numbers, and demonstration of potential long-term impact.

Application Guidelines

Applicants should provide:

1. A detailed explanation of how funds will be used, including a cost breakdown.

2. Expected number of beneficiaries and outcomes of the project.

3. Information on how the project fosters engagement with Tees staff, such as volunteering or collaboration.

4. Details on whether the project is new or extends an existing service.

Tips for Success

• Clearly demonstrate the impact on mental health, education, or wellbeing.

• Highlight opportunities for direct engagement with Tees staff.

• Show sustainability or potential long-term benefits for the community.

• Emphasize if Tees funding is the main source or represents a substantial part of the project budget.

FAQ – Tees Better Future Fund

1. Who can apply? Non-profit organisations operating within 30 miles of a Tees office.

2. What types of projects are supported? Learning, education, health, wellbeing, and mental health initiatives for children, young people, and families.

3. What is the maximum grant amount? £5,000 per project.

4. How often are funds awarded? Multiple projects may be funded each panel round, with around £15,000 available per round.

5. Are previously funded organisations eligible? Yes, both previously successful and unsuccessful applicants can apply.

6. Is Tees engagement required? Priority is given to projects that involve meaningful interaction with Tees staff, though it is not mandatory.

7. Can funding support existing services? Yes, provided it enhances services, reaches new beneficiaries, or expands geographic coverage.

Conclusion

The Tees Better Future Fund empowers local non-profit organisations to deliver impactful education and wellbeing projects. By prioritising mental health and fostering community engagement, the fund contributes to stronger, healthier communities across the eligible regions.

For more information, visit Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.