GrantRadar

Sussex Community Foundation

Main Grants

Sussex Community Foundation's Main grants give £1,000 to £10,000 for up to one year to not-for-profit community organisations working in Sussex, funding core running costs as well as project expenses. One application is matched to the most suitable of more than 100 donor-advised and discretionary funds, under four priorities: tackling poverty, improving health, reaching potential and acting on climate. Applications are taken in rounds; the next (Spring 2027) round opens on Monday 14 December 2026 and closes on Friday 8 January 2027.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
£1,000 – £10,000
Deadline
82 days left
8 January
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Not-for-profit organisations benefiting communities in Sussex with an annual income of £2 million or less: registered charities, CIOs, companies limited by guarantee, CICs limited by guarantee, unincorporated associations or community groups, community benefit societies, CASCs and registered societies
  • They must use all income and assets for charitable purposes (with assets passing to a charity on closure), be governed by at least three unrelated trustees or directors in voluntary roles (for social enterprises, CICs and CLGs, most directors unpaid and any director pay reasonable and approved by non-executives; CICs need an asset lock with charitable objectives), have at least two unrelated bank signatories, and only reimburse members for out-of-pocket expenses
  • Organisations can generally receive only one Main grant in a 12-month period, and must have submitted the monitoring report for any previous grant

What it funds

Flexible, usually unrestricted funding for up to 12 months, covering core operating costs and project costs, for work that fits one or more of the four funding priorities:

  • Tackling Poverty (reducing poverty and disadvantage)
  • Improving Health (helping people live longer, better lives)
  • Reaching Potential (life-changing skills, education and training)
  • Acting on Climate (local climate action)

The Foundation particularly welcomes applications from small-to-medium-sized community groups and from organisations led by and supporting people from underrepresented communities.

Most grants are between £5,000 and £10,000 (average just over £5,000).

Capital costs are generally funded only where a donor requests it, all other funding is secured and the element is discrete and under £10,000.

Geographical funds such as the Brighton and Hove Legacy Fund, London Gatwick Community Fund, Lewes Fund and Rye Fund are allocated through the same application.

What it will not fund

  • Individuals
  • Companies and CICs limited by shares
  • Government bodies and statutory organisations, including local authorities and schools
  • Organisations that don't benefit communities in Sussex
  • Organisations that unlawfully discriminate under the Equality Act 2010
  • Organisations using services to promote religious beliefs
  • Organisations with overdue monitoring reports
  • Political activities
  • Small contributions to major capital appeals
  • One-off events, unless part of a longer programme
  • Grants used to re-distribute to other groups
  • Projects solely benefiting animals
  • Costs for activities that have already been completed

How to apply

  1. Complete the eligibility checker on the Foundation's website
  2. Read the guidance on applying, the applicant FAQs, the grants portal guidance and the Grant Request questions
  3. Register or log in to the online grants portal once the round opens (Monday 14 December 2026)
  4. Complete and submit one Grant Request form by Friday 8 January 2027; the Foundation matches it to suitable funds
  5. The grants team carries out due diligence and may ask for more information; larger or more complex requests may be invited to a Stage Two application
  6. Applications are presented to fundholders or staff and Grants Committee panels for decision

Applications not funded straight away may be kept on file and considered in later rounds for up to 12 months, so recent unsuccessful applicants need not reapply.

Time-sensitive events should be applied for at least six months in advance.

The Grants Team can be reached at grants@sussexcommunityfoundation.org or 01273 409 440.

Have ready

  • Signed copy of your constitution or set of rules (CICs also include their CIC 34 report)
  • Signed copy of your latest annual accounts or expenditure records
  • Bank statement in the organisation's name, dated within the last three months
  • Equal opportunities policy covering the Equality Act 2010 and the nine protected characteristics
  • Additional policies if relevant to your work (child protection or safeguarding adults, health and safety, environmental or sustainability)
  • Written estimates or catalogue pages for equipment purchases

Previous grantees should include an up-to-date monitoring report where possible.

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