Deadline: 10-Sep-2026
The Large Grant Programme provides funding of over £20,001 to eligible charitable organisations working in priority areas such as youth services, elderly support, disability assistance, community welfare, environmental conservation, and reproductive health initiatives. The programme mainly supports charities with established relationships with the trustees and organisations whose work aligns closely with the Trust’s funding priorities.
The grant can support core costs, project costs, capital expenses, start-up activities within established charities, and unrestricted funding for eligible organisations.
What is the Large Grant Programme?
The Large Grant Programme provides significant financial support to charitable organisations whose activities match the priorities of the funding body.
Large grants of more than £20,001 are primarily available to charities where trustees have developed a strong understanding of the organisation’s work through previous engagement or long-term relationships.
The programme aims to strengthen charities delivering meaningful social, environmental, and community benefits.
Funding Priorities
The Large Grant Programme supports organisations working in specific areas that address community needs.
Youth Services
Funding may support charities providing:
- Youth development programmes
- Community activities for young people
- Support services for vulnerable youth
- Opportunities that improve wellbeing and participation
Support for Older People
The programme supports initiatives focused on:
- Elderly care and support
- Reducing isolation among older people
- Improving quality of life for senior citizens
Disability Assistance
Eligible projects may include:
- Disability support services
- Accessibility initiatives
- Community inclusion programmes
- Support for people with disabilities
Community Welfare
The programme supports charities working to improve:
- Local community wellbeing
- Social support systems
- Access to essential services
Hospice Support
Funding may assist organisations providing:
- Hospice services
- End-of-life care support
- Services for individuals and families
Environmental Projects in Sussex
The programme supports environmental initiatives focused on:
- Local environmental protection
- Sustainability projects
- Community-based conservation activities
Wildlife and Environmental Conservation
Eligible conservation projects may include:
- Wildlife protection
- Habitat conservation
- Environmental restoration
Some projects outside Sussex may be considered if they meet the Trust’s requirements.
International Reproductive Health and Family Planning
The Trust may support international projects focused on:
- Reproductive health
- Family planning
- Environmental links connected to population and sustainability issues
Types of Funding Available
The Large Grant Programme may support different types of charitable activities, including:
Project Funding
Support may be provided for:
- New projects within established charities
- Specific programmes
- Community initiatives
Core Costs
Funding may contribute towards:
- Operational expenses
- Essential organisational costs
- Delivery of charitable activities
Capital Expenditure
Support may include:
- Equipment
- Infrastructure improvements
- Other eligible capital costs
Running Costs
Charities may request assistance with:
- Programme delivery expenses
- Organisational running costs
Unrestricted Funding
Unrestricted funding may be considered where:
- The charity’s overall activities fall within the Trust’s funding priorities
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to eligible charitable organisations that meet the required criteria.
Applicants must:
- Be a registered charity
- Have at least one year of filed accounts
- Be registered with:
- The Charity Commission for England and Wales, or
- The Office of the Scottish Charity Register
Eligible applicants should demonstrate:
- Alignment with EKCT funding priorities
- Clear community benefit
- Effective charitable activities
- Financial and organisational stability
Geographic Eligibility
The Trust primarily supports charities working with beneficiaries in Sussex for most priority areas.
However, some exceptions may apply:
- Wildlife and environmental conservation projects may be considered beyond Sussex
- International reproductive health and family planning projects may be considered where they meet specific requirements
Who is Not Eligible?
The programme generally does not support:
- Organisations registered for less than one year
- Individuals applying for personal support
- Charities applying on behalf of individuals
- Large national charities with significant fundraising capacity
- Organisations mainly funded through government/statutory sources
- Local authorities
- Campaigning organisations
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Medical research projects
- Arts projects
- Community engagement projects outside priorities
- Animal rescue organisations
- Animal welfare organisations
- International food security projects
- Farming or agriculture projects
- Activities outside the Trust’s funding priorities
How to Apply
Eligible organisations should follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm that your organisation:
- Is a registered charity
- Has at least one year of filed accounts
- Works within the Trust’s priority areas
Step 2: Review Funding Alignment
Ensure your project matches one or more priority areas:
- Youth services
- Elderly support
- Disability assistance
- Community welfare
- Hospice care
- Environmental conservation
- Reproductive health initiatives
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information
Applicants should be ready to provide:
- Details about the organisation
- Description of activities
- Project plans
- Funding requirements
- Evidence of community impact
- Financial information
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the application according to the Trust’s requirements and provide accurate information about:
- Requested funding amount
- Intended use of funds
- Expected outcomes
What Makes a Strong Application?
Strong applications usually demonstrate:
- Clear alignment with funding priorities
- Evidence of community need
- Sustainable impact
- Effective use of funding
- Strong organisational management
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying before meeting registration requirements
- Requesting funds for activities outside priority areas
- Providing unclear project budgets
- Applying for personal or individual support
- Submitting applications without evidence of impact
- Ignoring geographic eligibility requirements
Tips for Applicants
To improve your application:
- Clearly explain the social or environmental problem being addressed
- Describe measurable outcomes
- Show how funding will create long-term benefits
- Provide accurate financial information
- Demonstrate how the project supports the Trust’s priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Large Grant Programme?
The Large Grant Programme provides grants above £20,001 to eligible charities working in areas aligned with the Trust’s priorities.
2. Who can apply for the grant?
Registered charities with at least one year of filed accounts in England, Wales, or Scotland can apply if their work matches the funding priorities.
3. What types of costs can the grant support?
Funding may support project costs, core costs, capital expenditure, running costs, start-up costs for new projects within established charities, and unrestricted funding for eligible organisations.
4. Are small or newly registered charities eligible?
Organisations generally need at least one year of filed accounts. Charities registered for less than one year are usually not supported.
5. Can organisations outside Sussex apply?
Most projects should benefit communities in Sussex. However, certain wildlife conservation and international reproductive health projects may be considered.
6. Can individuals apply for funding?
No. The programme does not support individuals or charities applying on behalf of individuals.
7. What types of organisations are excluded?
The programme does not usually fund CICs, local authorities, campaigning organisations, medical research, arts projects, animal welfare organisations, or projects outside the Trust’s priorities.
Conclusion
The Large Grant Programme provides substantial funding support for charities delivering meaningful social and environmental impact. Organisations working in youth support, elderly care, disability services, community welfare, conservation, and reproductive health initiatives can receive support if their activities align with the Trust’s priorities and eligibility requirements.
For more information, visit Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust.