GRANTS – Starter for ten
Starter for ten
New FundEd members often ask the team for grants leads as part of their funding review. Here are their top ten recommended sources
1 Rotary or Lions Clubs You can find branches across the country. Both are not-for-profit international service organisations dedicated to charitable projects. Ask if anyone in your extended school community has a contact.
2 Voluntary action organisations The Council for Voluntary Service is a voluntary advocacy body that connects communities with resources. Action organisations take different forms across the UK, but start with the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
3 Local councils Many areas have councils at town, district and county levels, so find out which ones cover your area and search their websites, using keywords, such as ‘funding’ or ‘grants’. You may be surprised to find the right opportunity for a small grant that makes a big difference.
4 Businesses and retailers National companies often set up funds for community projects. Approach their local branches and offices and ask if they have a fund or charitable foundation – B&Q, Greggs and Moto service stations all do. You could also try larger
independent businesses – they may be interested in sponsorship opportunities or be able to connect you with other resources.
5 Supermarkets So many people rely on supermarkets, and they make considerable profits, so it’s fair that we should receive support from these giants through their charitable foundations. If a grant isn’t right for your project, explore token schemes by popping into your local branch.
6 Housebuilders and developers These companies often have deep pockets and there’s a good case for asking them to support local schools – new residential developments bring in families with children who need schools. In addition to making a financial contribution through Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which can be complicated to access, many housebuilders also have charitable foundations.
FIND MORE grants on our
money often goes to police-related charities, but many forces also work with their local communities. For example, North Yorkshire Police has awarded £2,653,898 to support 340 community projects. Similarly, Norfolk Police has allocated £30,000 from this fund to assist local voluntary and community groups working to improve people’s lives.
8 Airports Airports contribute to air and noise pollution, so it’s only right that they give something back to their local communities. For example, the Gatwick Airport Community Trust actively supports local initiatives, while The Manchester Airports Group, which manages Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted airports, contributes £100,000 annually to fund projects that positively impact the community and have a charitable focus.
local pages at pta.
co.uk/local-ptas
9 Wind or solar farms If developers are installing large wind or solar farms near your school, it’s worth contacting them. EDF Energy’s Community Benefit Fund clearly states its commitment to investing in local projects that contribute to the community, including ‘one-off investments (eg, a school gardening project)’. There’s an increasing number of localised and community- based renewable energy projects too, so approach them to see if you can work together.
10 Community foundations Across the country, there’s
7 Police force Every force has a special fund called the Police Property Act Fund, which generates money from the sale of found or confiscated items. This
a network of community foundations overseen by UK Community Foundations. This charity has been developing community philanthropy since the 1970s. In 2024, they awarded over 32,500 grants. If you’re looking to make an impact, reach out to them to explore opportunities for collaboration.
l FundEd helps schools generate additional income. Find out more at
funded.org.uk
School Fundraising AUTUMN 2025 43
WORDS BY DANIEL ETHERINGTON; IMAGE: HALFPOINT/
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
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