Deadline: 17-Mar-2026
The Hadrian Trust Grant Programme provides small grants to support charitable and social welfare organisations working to improve lives across the North East of England. Grants of £500 to £2,000 help fund practical community projects addressing social, economic, and environmental needs, with the next application deadline on 17 March 2026.
Overview of the Grant
The Hadrian Trust operates a grant-making programme dedicated to supporting social welfare and charitable organisations that deliver tangible benefits to communities across the North East of England.
The Trust focuses on improving quality of life for individuals and families facing disadvantage, while aligning funding decisions with both the founder’s interests and evolving local needs.
Funding is intended to strengthen grassroots organisations and community-based initiatives that address pressing social challenges at a local level.
Key Focus Areas
The Hadrian Trust supports a wide range of community-focused activities, including but not limited to:
Social and Welfare Support
• Support for disadvantaged individuals and families
• Debt advice and welfare rights services
• Services for prisoners, ex-offenders, and their families
• Homelessness prevention and support
Health, Care, and Wellbeing
• Hospices and end-of-life care
• Services for disabled people
• Support for older adults
Youth and Community Development
• Youth development and employability initiatives
• Services for young people at risk of offending
• Community centres and local community groups
Inclusion, Education, and Culture
• Projects supporting ethnic minority communities
• Educational opportunities for all age groups
• Community-based arts projects that promote participation and cohesion
Environment and Local Improvement
• Environmental improvement and regeneration initiatives
Grant Amount and What Can Be Funded
Typical Grant Size
• Grants usually range between £500 and £2,000
Eligible Uses of Funds
Depending on the application and available funding, grants may support:
• Core or running costs
• Specific project-related expenses
• Part-time salaries or sessional staff costs
• Basic equipment essential to service delivery
The Trust prioritises funding that delivers practical, measurable benefits to local communities.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Organisations
Funding is available to:
• Charitable organisations
• Social welfare organisations
• Community-based and voluntary groups
Applicants must be actively operating within the North East of England.
Eligible Geographic Area
The Hadrian Trust defines the North East as:
• Former county of Northumberland
• Former county of Durham
• Tyne and Wear
• Cleveland north of the River Tees
Organisations must have a clear local presence and deliver services within this region.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following are not eligible for funding:
• Major capital building projects
• Repairs or improvements to buildings used solely for worship
• Animal protection charities
• Medical research projects
• National charities without a local operational base
• Organisations operating outside the defined geographic area
• Direct grants to individuals
Support for individuals in hardship is instead provided through the Greggs Foundation Individuals in Need Fund.
Why This Grant Matters
Local Impact
• Strengthens community-led solutions
• Addresses social, economic, and environmental challenges
Flexible Support
• Covers both core and project costs
• Supports smaller organisations with limited access to funding
Community Resilience
• Helps sustain essential local services
• Encourages inclusion, wellbeing, and participation
How the Application Process Works
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Confirm organisational eligibility and geographic coverage
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Ensure proposed activities align with the Trust’s focus areas
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Prepare an online application outlining:
– Community need
– Planned activities
– Intended use of funds -
Submit the completed application before the deadline
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Applications are reviewed at scheduled trustee meetings
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Funding decisions are made by the Trustees
Important Dates and Deadlines
• Application deadline: 17 March 2026 (by 12:00 noon)
• Next trustee meeting: 14 April 2026
Late applications are not accepted.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical or submission issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying for ineligible activities such as major capital works
• Submitting applications after the deadline
• Applying without a clear local presence in the North East
• Requesting funding outside the typical grant range without justification
• Failing to clearly explain community benefit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Hadrian Trust Grant Programme?
It is a small-grant programme supporting charitable and social welfare organisations working in the North East of England.
2. How much funding can organisations apply for?
Most grants range from £500 to £2,000.
3. Can grants be used for core costs?
Yes. Grants may support running costs, part salaries, equipment, or specific project costs.
4. Who can apply?
Charitable and social welfare organisations with a local base operating in the North East of England.
5. Are individuals eligible to apply?
No. Grants are not awarded directly to individuals.
6. What types of projects are excluded?
Major capital projects, medical research, animal charities, and national charities without a local base are excluded.
7. When is the next deadline?
Applications must be submitted by noon on 17 March 2026.
Conclusion
The Hadrian Trust Grant Programme offers vital, flexible funding for organisations delivering meaningful change across the North East of England. By supporting grassroots initiatives and essential services, the Trust helps strengthen communities, reduce inequality, and improve quality of life. Eligible organisations should plan ahead and submit strong, locally focused applications before the March 2026 deadline to be considered.
For more information, visit Hadrian Trust.