Request for Applications: Inclusion Grant Program (UK)

The Inclusion Grant provides funding to organisations in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and Teesside to promote economic and social inclusion. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £10,000 and support initiatives addressing barriers to employment, training, volunteering, child poverty, fuel poverty, financial wellbeing, and social participation. Eligible applicants include registered charities, constituted voluntary organisations, and certain Community Interest Companies.

Overview

The Inclusion Grant supports initiatives that advance economic and social inclusion within communities. The fund aims to remove barriers to employment, training, volunteering, and access to essential services while reducing child poverty, tackling fuel poverty, improving financial wellbeing, reducing isolation, promoting independence, and building confidence and citizenship. Grants are usually between £5,000 and £10,000, though larger amounts may be considered if they demonstrate significant community impact.

Who Is Eligible?

• Registered charities.

• Constituted voluntary or community organisations.

• Organisations previously awarded funding, regardless of when the grant was received.

• Community Interest Companies (CICs): Only eligible when funding is strictly for charitable costs related to establishing the enterprise, developing new goods/services, or entering a new market, supported by a sound business plan.

• Must be based in or operate within Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, or Teesside.

• Annual income under £750,000 and no more than six months’ running costs in reserve.

• Must hold a governing document and have a governing body of at least three unrelated individuals.

• Must operate an independent bank account and maintain a safeguarding policy where relevant.

Funding Focus Areas

• Removing barriers to employment, training, and volunteering.

• Reducing child poverty and tackling fuel poverty.

• Improving financial wellbeing and economic participation.

• Reducing social isolation and loneliness.

• Promoting independence and self-reliance.

• Building citizenship, confidence, and aspiration within communities.

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Confirm eligibility based on organisation type, location, income, reserves, and governance requirements.

2. Identify a project that aligns with economic or social inclusion objectives.

3. Prepare a clear project plan including objectives, target groups, activities, expected outcomes, and budget.

4. For CICs, include a detailed business plan explaining charitable purpose, development of new goods/services, or entry into a new market.

5. Submit the application with supporting documents, including governance information, safeguarding policy, and bank account details.

6. Demonstrate how the initiative will provide measurable community impact and address identified barriers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with projects outside the defined geographical area.

• Exceeding income or reserve thresholds.

• Submitting incomplete applications or lacking supporting governance or safeguarding documentation.

• Proposing projects that do not directly address economic or social inclusion.

• CICs applying without a business plan or failing to demonstrate charitable intent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the typical grant range? £5,000–£10,000, though larger amounts may be considered in exceptional cases.

2. Who can apply? Registered charities, constituted voluntary/community organisations, previously funded organisations, and certain CICs.

3. Which areas are eligible? Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and Teesside.

4. What are the focus areas of funding? Employment, training, volunteering, child poverty, fuel poverty, financial wellbeing, social inclusion, and confidence-building.

5. Are CICs eligible? Yes, only for charitable costs with a sound business plan.

6. What are the governance requirements? A governing body of at least three unrelated individuals, a governing document, a bank account, and safeguarding policy where relevant.

7. Is prior funding a disqualifier? No, organisations previously awarded funding may apply again.

Conclusion

The Inclusion Grant offers a strategic opportunity for organisations to advance economic and social inclusion in North East England. By targeting barriers to employment, training, and participation while fostering wellbeing, confidence, and independence, the fund empowers communities and delivers measurable, long-term social impact.