Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Shears Foundation provides targeted funding to charitable organisations across the United Kingdom. The programme supports both project-based activities and core operational costs, helping small and medium-sized charities sustain and expand their work in priority social impact areas.
Programme Objective
The main objective is to strengthen local charitable organisations and improve community wellbeing by:
- Supporting cultural and artistic development
- Expanding access to education for children and adults
- Protecting and enhancing the natural environment
- Strengthening community resilience and sustainability
- Supporting health and medical research and education initiatives
- Enabling long-term organisational stability through core funding
Funding Details
- Grant size: £3,000 to £6,300 per application
- Eligible organisations: UK registered charities
- Annual income threshold: Less than £1.5 million
- Funding types supported:
- Project costs
- Core operational costs (including staffing and overheads)
Geographic Priorities
While applications are accepted from across the UK, priority is given to organisations operating in:
- Tyne & Wear
- Northumberland
- Former Harrogate District
- City of York
- City of Bradford
- Greater Manchester
Eligible and Ineligible Costs
Eligible costs include:
- Staff salaries and core operational expenses
- Programme delivery and project implementation costs
- Administrative and organisational running costs
- Community-based project activities
Ineligible costs include:
- Capital projects such as building purchase or refurbishment
- Major infrastructure works or outdoor installations
- Vehicles and transport purchases
- Large equipment acquisitions
Focus Areas
The foundation supports work in the following sectors:
- Arts and cultural development
- Educational opportunities for all age groups
- Environmental conservation and protection
- Community development and social sustainability
- Health and medical research and education
Application Approach and Recommendations
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Contact the foundation for a pre-application discussion via telephone or Zoom
- Provide accurate and detailed financial information
- Demonstrate collaboration with partners and stakeholders
- Show evidence of diversified funding sources
- Clearly outline organisational impact and sustainability
Why This Programme Matters
This funding programme supports smaller charitable organisations that play a critical role in delivering community services. By funding both core and project costs, it helps organisations maintain stability while continuing to deliver social, cultural, environmental, and health-related benefits in underserved UK regions.
Key Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- Stronger and more financially stable charities
- Improved delivery of community-based services
- Enhanced cultural and educational opportunities
- Greater environmental protection efforts
- Increased health and wellbeing initiatives
- More resilient and sustainable local communities
Conclusion
The Shears Foundation grant programme provides flexible, small-scale funding to support the operational sustainability and project delivery of UK charities. With a strong regional focus and emphasis on core funding, it helps strengthen grassroots organisations working across culture, education, environment, community development, and health.
For more information, visit The Shears Foundation.