Sellafield Ltd (on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority)

Sellafield Ltd grants (Social Impact funding)

Sellafield Ltd distributes Nuclear Decommissioning Authority social impact funding to organisations delivering projects near its sites: the former Copeland and Allerdale districts in West Cumbria (now part of Cumberland) and Warrington. There are three tiers: small 'good neighbour' grants up to £10,000 (up to £5,000 in Warrington), medium grants of £10,000-£200,000 and large grants over £200,000, with the evidence required rising from simple proof of spend to a full five-case business case. Projects must align with Sellafield/NDA social impact themes and report measurable outcomes; the same page also offers donated reusable office furniture and equipment to voluntary and community groups.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: £5,000 – £10,000; no fixed round
Deadline: Rolling; apply any time
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Organisations delivering projects near a Sellafield Ltd site, defined as the district where the site is located and, near boundaries, the neighbouring district: Sellafield (former Copeland and Allerdale districts, now within Cumberland) and Warrington (maximum £5,000)
Eligible: existing community, voluntary or charity groups (local branches of national charities only if money raised is spent locally); state-funded education providers or pre-school groups (not statutory obligations); public sector bodies; and companies (support must be subsidy-compliant and cannot subsidise a business)
Private individuals cannot apply
The application form asks for constitution documents and recent annual accounts
Reusable equipment is only for social enterprises and voluntary or community groups in Cumberland or Warrington

What it funds

Projects near Sellafield Ltd sites that align with its social impact strategy and NDA themes, with measurable outcomes:

Resilient economies (local wealth building, inclusive growth, productivity)
Thriving communities (financial sustainability of community organisations, high social impact)
Sustainable incomes (education, skills, personal development and employability)
Sustainable growth (climate and the environment)

Small grants: up to £5,000 for social enterprise, voluntary or community groups addressing community needs and building stronger independent communities, and up to £10,000 for projects with a distinct purpose and clearly measurable results; priority goes to groups helping the most vulnerable neighbourhoods or areas of local social need.

Feasibility studies and business case development for large projects can be considered.

Separately, reusable equipment such as filing cabinets, desks, chairs, tables, cupboards and flood lights is given to social enterprises and voluntary or community groups in Cumberland and Warrington.

What it will not fund

Private individuals
Projects whose benefits fall outside the eligible areas
Spend that does not meet project objectives or cannot be measured
Sports team sponsorship
Religious or political benefit
Animal welfare
Aims contrary to UK Government policy or part of core government policy/activity
Lobbying, including using grant funds to influence Parliament, government or regulation, or to petition for more funding
Capital expenditure for building renovations (not usually supported)
General improvements of sporting facilities (not usually eligible)
VAT reclaimable from HMRC
Activities that other organisations have a statutory obligation to provide
Organisations that previously received NDA funding and did not comply with conditions such as end of project reports
Individual or group sponsorships and raising money for third parties
Loan payments, interest or finance lease service charges
National charities where funding is collected and administered centrally
Repeat funding requests in the same financial year
Hospitality, award sponsorships or tables at events
Prizes, prize draws and print costs for fundraising events
Retrospective projects
Gifts
Statutory or criminal fines and penalties
Works fully funded by other sources
Bad debts to related parties
Payments for unfair dismissal or other compensation
IT and electrical equipment (reusable equipment scheme)

How to apply

Check the project fits the Sellafield Ltd social impact strategy and NDA themes
Discuss your proposal with the Sellafield Ltd Social Impact team (socialimpact@sellafieldsites.com); this is required before applying for over £10,000
Complete the NDA group online application form (nda.tfaforms.net/91), choosing the small (up to £10,000), medium (£10,001-£200,000) or large (over £200,000) route and selecting Sellafield or Warrington as your nearest site
Small grants are decided by Sellafield's good neighbour panel; medium grants by an internal panel; large grants are assessed by the One NDA Socio-economic panel (meets about 4-6 times a year) with the final decision by the budget holder
If successful, accept the Grant Acceptance Schedule and terms; payment is by charity voucher or BACS
Report on agreed outcome measures (TOMs) and submit an end of project report with evidence of spend and delivery

Applications can be made at any time but are only considered at committee meetings.

In Warrington the maximum is £5,000; Sellafield applications of £5,000-£10,000 are considered by the Social Impact team.

For reusable equipment, complete the separate Word application form; a local disposals committee decides within 8 weeks.

Have ready

Completed online application form, including outcome measures (TOMs) for medium and large projects
Constitution, articles of association or other governing document
Most recent annual accounts (or balance sheet information and revenue forecasts if none yet filed)
Evidence supporting the case for funding, such as letters of support or evidence of other funders approached (medium/large)
Stand-alone business case for applications over £200,000

Small grants need no business case but require proof of spend and outcomes and an end of project report.

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