Two Ridings Community Foundation

The Williams Family Fund

A family fund held by Two Ridings Community Foundation for charitable work supporting the wellbeing of children, young people and families in York, North Yorkshire (except the former Harrogate district), Hull and East Yorkshire, particularly those who have faced adversity such as care, young caring, fostering or adoption, or poverty. Small Grants of up to £3,000 over 12 months close at noon on 1 February 2027, with priority for smaller grassroots groups. Main Grants of up to £30,000 over 24 months need an expression of interest by noon on 14 December 2026; shortlisted groups submit a full application by 1 February 2027. For organisations with turnover under £500,000.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: £3,000 – £30,000
Deadline: 40 days left; 14 December
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Charities, community groups and other not-for-profit organisations with charitable aims and an annual turnover of less than £500,000, based in or working with people living in York, North Yorkshire, Hull or East Yorkshire (the fund lists Craven, East Riding of Yorkshire, Hambleton, Hull, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and York)
Groups based in and delivering in the former Harrogate District cannot apply
Main Grant applicants must have been delivering activities for at least 12 months
Applicants need not be registered charities but, under Two Ridings' general rules, must be not-for-profit and locally led, with a governing document including a charitable dissolution clause (and a named asset lock body for companies), a bank account in the organisation's name with at least two unrelated authorising signatories, and at least three unrelated trustees, directors or committee members
CICs and CBSs can apply if the purpose of the grant is wholly charitable

What it funds

Charitable activity for the direct wellbeing of children, young people and their families in at least one of these priorities:

Children in or coming out of care
Young carers
Children and families affected by fostering and/or adoption
Children living in poverty
Increasing opportunities for children and young people
Personal care and other practical assistance for children or young people needing extra support
Providing the digital infrastructure and other support to enable children and young people to access education and other activity that promotes learning

Small Grants can fund pilot projects, activity, projects or support, or small capital items. Funding can cover project costs, core costs and a proportion of overheads through full cost recovery. Small capital items should be no more than 20% of the amount requested. Projects where the grant would be under 20% of total cost are unlikely to be prioritised.

What it will not fund

Organisations based in and delivering activities within the former Harrogate District (covered by the Local Fund for Harrogate)
Main Grant applications from groups delivering activities for less than 12 months
Capital items making up more than 20% of the amount requested
Overhead costs associated with commission-based payments for fundraising
Private businesses
General appeals or sponsorship
Work which has already started or taken place / retrospective funding
National organisations (locally constituted and managed branches of national charities can apply)
Work undertaken by or on behalf of statutory bodies as part of their statutory activities
Organisations that have substantial unrestricted funds
Previous grant recipients who have outstanding reporting information
Organisations that mainly give funds to other organisations or individuals
Work for the advancement of religion (faith groups can apply but must show wider community benefit)
Overseas holidays or trips
Prize money
Purchase of gifts
Loans, deposits or on-granting
Political campaigning or work of a political nature

How to apply

Read the Williams Family Fund Guidance 2026 and Two Ridings' How to Apply page
For a Small Grant (up to £3,000): register your email on the Small Grant form linked from the fund page, complete the online application, accept the grant terms and conditions, and submit by 12 noon on 1 February 2027
For a Main Grant (up to £30,000): submit the online Expression of Interest by 12 noon on 14 December 2026
If your EOI is shortlisted, Two Ridings emails a link to the full Main Grant application form, due by 12 noon on 1 February 2027 (the full application questions are published on the fund page)
Attach your supporting documents to the online form, or email them; the application is not complete until all documents are received
An assessor may contact you by phone or Teams to discuss the application before an independent panel decides

If successful, you must send a bank statement within 4 weeks of the award notification or the application is withdrawn. Help is available on 01904 929500.

Have ready

Governing document (constitution, articles of association or set of rules)
Most recent annual accounts or financial records showing balance of funds, income and expenditure (or management accounts and budget if you have not completed a full year)
Names, home addresses and phone numbers of your Chair and CEO (or equivalent)
Equity and diversity / equal opportunities policy
Safeguarding policies if working with children or vulnerable adults
Organisational reference (new applicants), if requested
Job descriptions for any new posts the grant will fund, if applicable

A bank statement in the organisation's name is needed within 4 weeks if the grant is awarded.

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