Main Grants Programme: Supporting Grassroots and Community Organisations (UK)

Deadline: 13-Feb-2026

The Main Grants programme provides flexible funding of up to £10,000 to grassroots and community organisations across Sussex. Grants support projects tackling poverty, improving health, developing skills and education, and addressing climate action. Funding can cover core running costs, with applications considered throughout each funding round via an online portal.

Overview

The Main Grants programme aims to strengthen local communities in Sussex by providing funding that supports vital grassroots work. Grants are flexible, allowing organisations to direct funds toward projects that respond to local needs, including core operating costs. Funding is backed by a network of fundholders who help ensure resources reach impactful initiatives.

Focus Areas

The programme prioritises projects that:

• Tackle poverty: Reduce poverty and disadvantage in communities

• Improve health: Help people live longer, healthier, and better lives

• Reach potential: Provide life-changing skills, education, and training

• Act on climate: Support local action to address climate change

Eligible Activities

Eligible organisations can use grants for a wide range of purposes, including:

• Core running costs for grassroots and community projects

• Activities aligned with one or more of the four key priorities

• Projects that directly respond to local needs and demonstrate community impact

Who is Eligible

• Grassroots and community organisations across Sussex

• Organisations capable of managing and delivering projects that align with programme priorities

• Larger or multi-year awards are available by invitation only from fundholders

Grant Details

• Maximum grant amount: £10,000

• Grant period: 12 months unless otherwise agreed

• Funding type: Mostly unrestricted unless advised

• Application method: Online portal, considered throughout each funding round

• Application outcomes: Full funding, partial funding, held for future round, or declined

How to Apply

1. Prepare your organisation: Ensure your group is based in Sussex and aligns with the programme’s priorities.

2. Complete the online form: Provide project details, budget, and expected outcomes.

3. Submit application: Applications are reviewed continuously; high-demand applications may be held for up to a year for consideration in multiple rounds.

4. Monitoring and reporting: Recipients must submit a short monitoring report at the end of the grant period before applying again.

5. Agree to terms: Completing the application confirms acceptance of the programme’s terms and conditions.

Common Tips and Pitfalls

• Ensure the project clearly aligns with one or more of the four priorities

• Be realistic with funding needs and demonstrate community impact

• Highlight how the grant will support core operations or address local needs

• Consider that not all eligible applications may be funded due to high demand

• Prepare to provide a monitoring report to support future applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Grassroots and community organisations based in Sussex.

2. What is the maximum funding amount? £10,000 per project.

3. Can the funding cover core costs? Yes, most grants are unrestricted unless otherwise advised.

4. How long does the grant last? Typically 12 months unless agreed otherwise.

5. Can larger or multi-year awards be applied for? Only by invitation from a fundholder.

6. How are applications submitted? Via the online portal, considered throughout each funding round.

7. What are possible outcomes? Applications may receive full funding, partial funding, be held for a future round, or be declined.

Conclusion

The Main Grants programme offers Sussex-based community organisations flexible funding to tackle poverty, improve health, enhance skills and education, and address climate action. By supporting projects that respond directly to local needs, the programme empowers grassroots initiatives, strengthens communities, and provides sustainable impact. Proper planning, clear alignment with programme priorities, and transparent budgeting are key to a successful application.

For more information, visit Sussex Community Foundation.