GrantRadar

Francis C Scott Charitable Trust

Main Grants

The Francis C Scott Charitable Trust's Main Grants fund local organisations in Cumbria and Lancaster District that improve the life chances, experiences and outcomes of children, young people and young adults up to 25, with particular priority for 0-5s and 11-19s. Most awards are multi-year. Expressions of interest are judged on how the work fits with other local services, the deliberate development of social and emotional skills, and practice-based evidence, with a preference for early intervention and prevention. The Trust awards an average of 28 main grants a year, about £1.1m in total.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Amount not specified
Deadline
53 days left
11 December
Effort
Heavy
budgets, references, often several stages

Who can apply

  • Organisations working in Cumbria and Lancaster District whose project is based there and supports the development and aspiration of children or young people (up to 25) who may be excluded from opportunities
  • Registered charities are preferred, but the Trust will consider organisations pursuing charitable objectives that make a demonstrable contribution to their community, provided their aims and constitution are clearly not-for-profit; these face additional checks
  • National organisations are considered only where beneficiaries and project workers are based in the area
  • Trustees prefer small to medium-sized organisations and are unlikely to support charities with turnover above £1m
  • You must be able to send your most recent signed accounts
  • Unsuccessful applicants are advised to wait a year before applying again

What it funds

Work in Cumbria and Lancaster District to improve the life chances, experiences and outcomes for children, young people and young adults up to the age of 25, with particular priority for work with 0-5s and 11-19s. Expressions of interest are assessed for:

  • How your work contributes to wider services for children and young people locally, working with others so that gaps are reduced, duplication is avoided and approaches are cohesive
  • The deliberate development of social and emotional skills
  • Interventions or approaches underpinned by practice-based evidence, for example from 'what works' centres such as Foundations and the Youth Endowment Fund

the Trust prioritises early intervention and preventative approaches, and work that engages children and young people at risk of being excluded or left behind (for example those growing up in care, young carers, those experiencing domestic violence or in a minority). It also weighs local need and how far it is already committed in each area.

What it will not fund

  • Individuals
  • Statutory organisations, or work for which there is a statutory duty
  • National charities without a local base or project
  • Charities with substantial unrestricted reserves
  • Medical or health establishments, medical research or medical provision
  • Schools or educational establishments
  • Projects principally benefiting people outside Cumbria/North Lancashire
  • Retrospective funding
  • Expeditions or overseas travel
  • The promotion of religion
  • Animal welfare
  • Capital funding, except in exceptional circumstances (contact the Trust for guidance)

How to apply

  1. Contact the grants team for an informal discussion (encouraged before applying)
  2. Submit the online expression of interest form by the round deadline (next: Friday 11 December 2026)
  3. If invited (invitations sent Friday 18 December 2026), submit the full application by Friday 22 January 2027
  4. Trustees decide at their meeting on Friday 5 March 2027; outcomes are notified in the week beginning 8 March 2027

the Trust also publishes its evaluation form so applicants can see the reporting required if funded. The November 2026 round (EOI deadline 4 September) has already closed to new applicants.

Have ready

Most recent signed accounts

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