Request for Proposals: Microsoft Research Limited Fund (UK)

The Microsoft Research Limited Fund provides grants to voluntary and community organisations in Cambridgeshire, UK, that deliver projects supporting disadvantaged people and strengthening local communities. Grants typically range from £2,000 to £5,000 and can be used for employability initiatives, community support services, cultural and educational activities, environmental improvement projects, and other charitable purposes that create measurable local impact.

What is the Microsoft Research Limited Fund?

The Microsoft Research Limited Fund is a charitable grant programme designed to support voluntary and community organisations delivering projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged people across Cambridgeshire.

The fund invests in initiatives that address social inequalities, improve access to opportunities, strengthen community wellbeing, and create positive local change. It supports organisations working directly with vulnerable individuals through practical services, education, employability support, and environmental improvements.

Unlike project funding that focuses solely on infrastructure, this programme prioritises activities that generate lasting social benefits for local communities.

Programme Objectives

The Microsoft Research Limited Fund aims to:

• Support people experiencing social or economic disadvantage.
• Improve employability through education, training, and skills development.
• Increase access to practical support and community resources.
• Promote cultural and educational participation.
• Improve local green spaces through environmental initiatives.
• Strengthen community resilience and wellbeing.
• Encourage sustainable community development across Cambridgeshire.

Funding Available

The programme distributes approximately £23,500 annually across two funding rounds.

Grant Details

• Total annual funding available: Approximately £23,500
• Number of funding rounds: Two per year
• Typical number of grants awarded annually: 6–9
• Typical grant size: £2,000–£5,000
• Maximum grant available: £5,000
• Minimum grant for organisations: £1,500
• Average grant awarded: Around £2,900
• Average organisational grant: Approximately £4,500

Applicants should request funding that reflects the scale, objectives, and expected outcomes of their proposed project.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The programme supports a broad range of charitable activities that provide measurable benefits to disadvantaged communities.

Training and Community Support

Funding may support projects that:

• Provide practical advice and assistance.
• Deliver community outreach services.
• Offer essential resources to vulnerable individuals.
• Address local social needs.

Employability and Skills Development

Projects may include:

• Job readiness programmes.
• Employment training.
• Skills development workshops.
• Career guidance and mentoring.
• Confidence-building initiatives.

Cultural and Educational Activities

The fund supports projects that:

• Improve access to arts and cultural experiences.
• Deliver educational programmes.
• Promote lifelong learning.
• Encourage community participation and inclusion.

Environmental Improvement

Eligible environmental initiatives include:

• Community gardening.
• Green space enhancement.
• Small-scale environmental improvement projects.
• Activities that improve neighbourhood wellbeing.

Eligible Project Costs

Funding may be used for legitimate project-related expenses, including:

• Project staff salaries.
• Vehicle rental.
• Equipment and materials.
• Capital items.
• Resources required for project delivery.
• Other reasonable costs directly related to the funded activity.

Applicants should ensure all proposed expenditure directly contributes to project objectives.

Ineligible Activities

The Microsoft Research Limited Fund does not support:

• Projects without a charitable purpose.
• Activities that have already been completed.
• Sponsored events.
• Fundraising activities.
• Debt repayment.
• Loans.
• Grant-making organisations.
• Political campaigning or lobbying.
• Religious worship or projects promoting a particular religion.
• Animal welfare projects.
• Overseas travel.
• Statutory services that should be funded by government.
• Improvements to buildings or land that are not accessible to the public during convenient opening hours.

Applications requesting funding for these activities are unlikely to be considered.

Who is Eligible?

The programme is open to a wide range of community-focused, not-for-profit organisations operating within Cambridgeshire.

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities.
• Exempt charities.
• Excepted charities.
• Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs).
• Parish councils.
• Town councils.
• Village halls.
• Parochial Church Councils.
• Community Interest Companies (CICs).
• Social enterprises.
• Companies limited by guarantee.
• Co-operatives.
• Community Benefit Societies.
• Schools.
• Eligible sports clubs.
• Religious organisations where projects benefit the wider community without promoting religious beliefs.

National organisations may also apply if funding is exclusively used for eligible projects delivered within Cambridgeshire.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should also meet the following requirements:

• Organisations with annual income exceeding £5,000 must be legally registered.
• Community Interest Companies, social enterprises, and companies limited by guarantee must have operated for at least one year before submitting an application.
• Applicants must satisfy any additional programme-specific eligibility requirements.

Why This Fund Matters

Many grassroots organisations face increasing demand for services while operating with limited financial resources.

The Microsoft Research Limited Fund helps community organisations:

• Reach vulnerable people.
• Reduce barriers to employment.
• Improve education and skills.
• Strengthen local communities.
• Enhance community spaces.
• Increase social inclusion.
• Build healthier and more resilient neighbourhoods.

By supporting locally delivered projects, the programme enables organisations to create sustainable improvements that directly benefit Cambridgeshire residents.

How to Apply

Applicants should develop a well-planned proposal that clearly demonstrates community need, measurable impact, and effective use of funding.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Meets the programme’s eligibility requirements.
• Operates on a not-for-profit basis.
• Is properly registered where required.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Clearly explain:

• The issue your project addresses.
• Who will benefit.
• Why the project is needed.
• The expected community outcomes.

Supporting evidence such as local statistics or community feedback can strengthen your application.

Step 3: Develop Your Project Plan

Prepare a detailed project description that explains:

• Planned activities.
• Timeline.
• Delivery methods.
• Expected outputs.
• Long-term benefits.

Step 4: Prepare a Realistic Budget

Your budget should:

• Include only eligible costs.
• Clearly justify each expense.
• Demonstrate value for money.
• Match the scale of the proposed activities.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Complete the application form accurately and submit all required supporting documents before the application deadline.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Tips for a Strong Application

Successful applications usually:

• Clearly demonstrate community need.
• Focus on disadvantaged beneficiaries.
• Explain measurable outcomes.
• Include realistic budgets.
• Show organisational capability.
• Demonstrate good value for money.
• Present achievable project plans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues when preparing your application:

• Applying for ineligible activities.
• Including unclear or unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to explain community need.
• Requesting funding for completed projects.
• Including political or religious activities.
• Omitting required organisational documents.
• Providing vague project outcomes without measurable impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Microsoft Research Limited Fund?

Eligible applicants include registered charities, Community Interest Companies, Charitable Incorporated Organisations, schools, parish councils, village halls, social enterprises, sports clubs, and other qualifying not-for-profit organisations operating within Cambridgeshire.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Most grants range between £2,000 and £5,000, with a maximum grant of £5,000 and a minimum organisational grant of £1,500.

What kinds of projects receive funding?

Projects supporting disadvantaged people through employability, education, community services, cultural activities, and environmental improvements are eligible.

Can project staff salaries be funded?

Yes. Project-related salaries, vehicle rental, equipment, capital items, and other eligible delivery costs can be supported.

Are national organisations eligible?

Yes. National organisations may apply if the proposed project directly benefits communities in Cambridgeshire and the funding is restricted to activities within the area.

Can religious organisations apply?

Yes. Religious organisations may apply if the funded project benefits the wider community and does not promote religious beliefs or religious practice.

What activities are not funded?

The programme does not support political campaigns, lobbying, religious promotion, fundraising events, debt repayment, overseas travel, completed projects, or statutory services normally funded by government.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Research Limited Fund offers valuable financial support to voluntary and community organisations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged people across Cambridgeshire. By funding projects that enhance employability, education, community wellbeing, and environmental sustainability, the programme helps local organisations deliver meaningful and lasting social impact.

Organisations with strong community connections, clearly defined objectives, realistic budgets, and measurable outcomes are well positioned to secure funding and contribute to stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities throughout Cambridgeshire.