Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Shears Foundation Small Grants Programme provides grants ranging from £3,000 to £6,300 to eligible charitable organisations delivering projects that strengthen communities, improve education, support the arts, protect the environment, and promote health. Funding can be used for both project activities and core organisational costs, with priority given to organisations operating in the Foundation’s key geographical areas.
About the Shears Foundation Small Grants Programme
The Shears Foundation is inviting applications from eligible charitable organisations for its Small Grants Programme, which supports initiatives that create lasting social impact and strengthen local communities.
The programme funds both project costs and core organisational expenses, enabling charities to deliver essential services, expand their impact, and improve community wellbeing. While the Foundation has historically focused on Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, it has expanded its support to include the former Harrogate District, the City of York, the City of Bradford, and Greater Manchester.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and assessed on a quarterly basis.
Focus Areas
The programme supports projects that contribute to:
- Development of culture and the arts
- Educational opportunities for children and adults
- Environmental protection, preservation, and enhancement
- Stronger, more sustainable communities
- Community development
- Health and wellbeing
- Medical research and education
- Social impact initiatives
- Organisational sustainability
- Community collaboration
Grant Amount
Successful applicants may receive:
- Minimum Grant: £3,000
- Maximum Grant: £6,300
Funding may be used for:
- Project delivery costs
- Core organisational expenses
- Staffing costs
- Operational overheads
- Lease and rental costs
Eligible Activities
The Foundation supports initiatives that:
- Deliver community development programmes.
- Promote arts and cultural activities.
- Improve access to education and lifelong learning.
- Protect and enhance the natural environment.
- Improve health outcomes through education or research.
- Strengthen organisational capacity.
- Support sustainable community initiatives.
- Foster collaboration between charities and community groups.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charitable organisations.
Applicants must:
- Have an annual income of less than £1.5 million.
- Operate within one or more of the Foundation’s priority geographical areas.
- Deliver activities aligned with the Foundation’s funding priorities.
Priority geographical areas include:
- Tyne & Wear
- Northumberland
- Former Harrogate District
- City of York
- City of Bradford
- Greater Manchester
Eligible Costs
Funding can support:
- Project implementation costs
- Core operational expenses
- Staff salaries
- Programme delivery
- Office and administration costs
- Lease and rental expenses
- Community engagement activities
Ineligible Activities
The Foundation does not fund capital projects, including:
- Purchase of buildings
- Building refurbishments
- Major repairs
- Large outdoor construction works
- Vehicle purchases
- Major equipment purchases
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Alignment with Foundation priorities.
- Expected community impact.
- Organisational capacity.
- Financial sustainability.
- Completeness and accuracy of the application.
- Collaboration with other organisations.
- Evidence of funding from multiple sources or clear justification where the Foundation fully funds a specific activity.
Applications that receive strong assessment scores are presented to the Foundation’s trustees for final consideration at the end of each quarter.
Why This Grant Matters
Many charities struggle to secure flexible funding for operational expenses and community programmes.
The Shears Foundation Small Grants Programme helps organisations:
- Strengthen long-term sustainability.
- Deliver high-impact community services.
- Improve education and health outcomes.
- Protect local environments.
- Promote arts and culture.
- Build stronger partnerships.
- Increase organisational resilience.
How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation before submitting an application by arranging a telephone or Zoom discussion.
To apply:
- Confirm that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements.
- Contact the Foundation to discuss your proposed project.
- Complete the application form with accurate organisational and financial information.
- Clearly explain the proposed project or core funding request.
- Provide a detailed budget.
- Demonstrate community impact and expected outcomes.
- Include evidence of partnership working or co-funding where applicable.
- Submit the application before a quarterly assessment deadline.
Applications received after a quarterly closing date will automatically be considered during the following assessment round.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Contact the Foundation before applying.
- Ensure financial information is complete and accurate.
- Clearly explain how the funding will create measurable community impact.
- Demonstrate organisational sustainability.
- Highlight partnerships and collaborative working.
- Show additional funding sources where available.
- Explain how the grant will support a clearly defined activity or organisational need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Shears Foundation Small Grants Programme?
It is a funding programme that supports charitable organisations delivering projects and services that strengthen communities, improve education, promote health, protect the environment, and support arts and culture.
How much funding is available?
Eligible organisations can apply for grants ranging from £3,000 to £6,300.
Who can apply?
Registered charitable organisations with an annual income below £1.5 million operating within the Foundation’s priority geographical areas.
Can funding be used for core costs?
Yes. Grants may support both project costs and core organisational expenses, including staffing and operational overheads.
Does the Foundation fund building projects?
No. Capital projects such as building purchases, refurbishments, major repairs, vehicles, and significant equipment purchases are not eligible.
Are lease and rental costs eligible?
Yes. Lease and rental expenses can be included as eligible costs.
When can organisations apply?
Applications are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Applications submitted after a quarterly deadline will be considered in the next funding round.
Conclusion
The Shears Foundation Small Grants Programme provides flexible funding of £3,000 to £6,300 to charitable organisations working to improve communities, education, health, culture, and the environment. By supporting both project delivery and core operational costs, the programme helps charities strengthen their long-term sustainability and expand their positive impact across the Foundation’s priority regions in the UK.
For more information, visit The Shears Foundation.
