A Practical Resource for Small UK Charities, CICs, and Community Groups
Charities and CICs together with community groups receiving less than £500,000 annually can secure small grants which produce meaningful effects. The following guide presents the top ten most highly rated grant opportunities of 2025 that include straightforward eligibility requirements and success tips.
1. The Fore – Unrestricted Organisational Funding
The organization provides funding from £45,000 which spans across one to three years.
The organization provides funding to grassroots organizations that support under served communities with annual revenues below £500,000.
The funders seek to fund projects which create lasting changes to organizations and produce enduring results.
• Tip: Emphasise your community reach and sustainability plans.
2. King Charles III Charitable Fund – Small Grants Programme
The organization provides annual grants of up to £3000 for projects spanning three years.
The organization provides grants to registered UK nonprofits which have income ranging from £25k to £500k.
The organization focuses on supporting social inclusion and education programs and environmental initiatives and heritage preservation projects.
• Tip: Match your project clearly to one of their priority themes.
3. City Bridge Foundation / London Community Foundation
The organization distributes grants between £500 and £50,000 according to their specific program requirements.
The organization supports community-based groups operating within London boroughs that have annual revenues below £500,000.
The organization supports activities that deliver local impact to disadvantaged or marginalized communities.
• Tip: Locate the nearest community foundation and tailor your application to their geographic priorities.
4. Inclusion London Small Grants
The organization provides annual grants between £1,000 to £5,000 for projects extending up to three years.
Deaf or disabled-led organizations in London with small incomes qualify for eligibility.
• Tip: If your organisation is led by disabled people, emphasise lived experience and community leadership.
5. The NatureSave Trust
The organization provides funding between £500 and £5,000.
Environmental or nature projects led by charities and community groups across the UK qualify for funding.
• Tip: Link your activity to climate action or community nature connections for wellbeing.
6. Community Actions Fund for Financial Inclusion
The grant funding amounts to a maximum of £10,000.
The organization supports non-profit entities that work to enhance financial capability among their target population.
• Tip: Focus clearly on financial literacy training, volunteer led workshops, or peer support.
7. Trusthouse Charitable Foundation – Small Grants
The organization provides unrestricted grants in small amounts which they process within eight weeks.
Registered charities working in higher deprivation areas are eligible to apply through the IMD rankings which determine postcode eligibility
• Tip: Use local deprivation data to support your budget narrative and eligibility.
8. UnLtd Equity Awards
The organization provides grants between £2500 and £20,000.
The organization accepts applications from social entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures throughout the United Kingdom.
• Tip: Ideal for community ventures with a strong social-change model or innovation element.
9. Manifold Trust Grants
The organization provides grants ranging from £500 to £5000.
The organization supports registered charities that work in heritage and arts and churches and community projects within economically challenged areas.
The application should focus on the benefits that the project will deliver to the community and the importance of the project for local cultural heritage.
10. Coalfields Regeneration Trust – Community Grants
The organization provides small grants to communities located in former coal mining areas across England and Wales.
The organization provides funding to organizations serving coalfield regions that operate social enterprises and support youth development and community growth.
• Tip: If your area fits, emphasise local solidarity and practical outcomes.
Practical Tips for Applying
- Assess Eligibility Closely
Check turnover thresholds, project size, and geography. Each fund has specific cut offs—don’t make assumptions. - Follow Application Structure
Answer every question, align with funder priorities, and avoid generic responses. Grant Finder Pro step by step structure helps keep clarity. - Use Plain English
State the problem, explain what will happen if funded, and describe how success is measured—without jargon. - Keep Budgets Simple and Transparent
The proposal should present unit costs (for example £500 x 2 workshops) and all costs should directly relate to project activities while remaining free from improper rounding. - Submit Early and Track
Make sure to submit applications one day before the deadlines become due. Note when decisions are expected and follow up if needed.
Why These Grants Matter
- Most small grants fall between the range of £500 to £10,000 that matches the needs of grassroots groups.
- More than 80% of National Lottery Community Fund grants are under £10,000 in value.
- The funding sources tend to support core costs and community infrastructure projects which gives small organisations choices for their funding needs.
Last Word: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
At UK Grant Finder Pro, we support organisations under £500k by:
- Sending weekly matched grant alerts
- Generating AI-based application drafts according to each specific funding opportunity
- We provide feedback through human review whenever you need it at no consultancy cost.
The subscription costs £5 per month for the first year until July 2025 and will increase to £20+ per month afterwards.
View grant samples now — and unlock the opportunities your organisation deserves.