The Frieda Scott Charitable Trust

Frieda Scott Charitable Trust Small Grants

Grants of £500 to £4,500 towards revenue or capital costs for charities and community groups tackling disadvantage, isolation or exclusion in Westmorland (the former Eden and South Lakeland districts of Cumbria). This is the only Frieda Scott programme for capital work on village halls, community halls and playgrounds. Organisations must have income under £1m and no more than 12 months' running costs in unrestricted reserves. The next deadline is 28 October 2026.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: £500 – £4,500
Closes in: 8 days left; 28 October
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Registered charities, or groups pursuing charitable purposes whose governing document confirms they are not-for-profit, pursue charitable purposes and have a dissolution clause; CICs and social enterprises limited by guarantee with an asset lock, no controlling one or two directors, and mostly unpaid directors
Income under £1m, unrestricted reserves of 12 months' operating costs or less, at least three members on the governing body
Work must take place in Westmorland — the old districts of Eden and South Lakeland, excluding Barrow-in-Furness; groups based elsewhere can apply if their work benefits people in Westmorland

What it funds

Revenue costs (project or running/core costs) or capital costs for work which:

Supports improved mental health and wellbeing
Helps people build connections and feel included
Supports people and families facing complex challenges
Helps people overcome barriers to developing skills, confidence, or accessing opportunities
Helps to create strong and resilient rural communities

capital appeals relating to village halls, community halls and playgrounds are only eligible under the Small Grants Programme.

What it will not fund

Organisations with an annual income over £1m
Organisations with more than twelve months' operating costs in unrestricted reserves (except village halls and community centres)
Organisations with fewer than three unrelated committee members, trustees or directors
Charitable organisations with an income over £5,000 that are not registered with the Charity Commission
Organisations that pay profits to directors, shareholders or members, including companies limited by shares
Work or activities which have already taken place, or which will commence before a grant is awarded
Statutory bodies (such as schools or hospitals) or statutory services (playgrounds managed by councils can be considered where a community group leads the application)
Medical research, diagnosis or treatment
Nursery and pre-school education
Annual or one-off events, festivals and celebrations
Individuals or expeditions
Places of worship or the promotion of religion
Animal, wildlife, heritage or environmental causes
Museums and art galleries
National charities operating from more than one location or region (with exceptions for Cumbria-based affiliates and those delivering regularly in Westmorland)
Organisations that have applied to the Trust in the last twelve months

How to apply

Read the Our Priorities page and contact the Trust Manager to discuss eligibility and the project before applying
Complete the one-stage online application (a summary of the questions and a Word version are available on request)
Attach the documents requested and submit by the deadline
You receive an acknowledgement email and a member of the team contacts you within a week

the Trust will review draft applications received at least two weeks before the deadline.

if applying online is difficult, contact the Trust about reasonable adjustments.

Have ready

Annual accounts (last audited or signed) and most recent bank statement
Organisations that are not registered charities: a copy of the governing document
Capital projects: three separate quotes where possible, and planning permission if required

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