Small Grant application guidance

This guide outlines everything we need to see in a funding application.

Before you start, it may be helpful for you to read this guide so that you have an idea of what we are looking for in your application.

N.B.  If you are applying as a branch using the head office’s registered charity number, please also ensure that you have to hand:

  • The latest published accounts together with the independent examiner’s/auditor’s report that were submitted to the Charity Commission under the registered charity number
  • If you have your own branch accounts, please submit these as supporting information to help us understand your particular branch
  • Written permission from head office to use the main charity registration number to apply

Please note that we are only able to accept one application per charity number and that reapplication rules will apply to that registered number, regardless of whether a different branch of the charity applies under the same registration number.

General advice before you start your application

  • Try writing out the application in Word and then copying and pasting into the application form, this will make it easier to edit if you need to.
  • Even if you have applied to us before, please write your application as if it’s for a new audience.
  • Keep it simple and include the key points, avoiding jargon.
  • If using acronyms, please explain what they are for the first time so that we know what they mean.
  • Ensure that your figures add up – check and triple check.
  • You don’t have to use all of the word count and avoid repetition. Remember, we read lots of applications and it really helps us if you are concise. Similarly, please think about the formatting so it’s not just one long paragraph.
  • Ask someone who doesn’t know your organisation to read your application – does it make sense? Can they get a picture of what your organisation does? Can they identify the key points?
  • Make sure that the Charity Commission number and your contact details are correct so that we are able to get in touch with you.
  • Please ensure that you have your latest published charity accounts to upload and ensure that they are signed – this will reduce any delays.
  • Please complete the application form in full and don’t rely on supporting documents, You can upload up to two to support your application , for example evaluation reports, impact report, annual report and case studies.

Application form example questions

Please note, this document is for information only, and will not be accepted as valid application forms. To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the online process.

Small grant application form sample questions

Financial Information Section Explained

When completing your application for a small grant, please note the definitions of the following financial terms.

Income

Voluntary Income

Grant income from other organisations, foundations, grant makers, or legacies and individual donations that are not part of fundraising efforts.

Statutory Income

Income (including contracted services) or grants given by a Government body or organisation for example Local Authorities, local Councils, NHS or Arts Council

Lottery Income

Income/grants received from lottery organisations such as the Big Lottery Fund, the People’s Post Code Lottery, and the Health Lottery.

Fundraising

Donations raised through events and fundraising efforts, such as raffles and lotteries, bucket collections, dinners and sponsored events

Membership

Any subscriptions or fees charged to become a member of the charity/organisation

Product Sales and Fees

Any income received from the sale of charity goods or services, not including those for fundraising efforts such as merchandise.

Investment

Any income received from bank interest or resulting from fund or other investments

Other

Any income that does not fit into the categories above. Please detail what this income is from

Expenditure

Charitable Purposes

Any funds spent on providing services directly to the beneficiaries, such as therapist’s salary costs, rent of premises to provide services, cost of equipment etc.

Fundraising/Publicity

Any funds spent on efforts to raise funds or publicise the charity and its services

Management/Administration

Any funds spent on governance and back office required to keep the charity running

Reserves

Restricted Reserves

Funds set aside to be used for a specific purpose set by the grantor of the funds, e.g. project funding or donation made towards a particular purpose

Unrestricted Reserves

Funds held by the charity that are not for a specific purpose.

Fixed Assets

These include the value of land, buildings and equipment. IF included in the Unrestricted Reserves figure on your accounts, please deduct.

Designated Reserves

Funds set aside internally by the trustees of the charity for a particular purpose, including but not limited to a particular project or winding up costs, or essential future spending

Further information

For further information about our Charity Grants programme or to discuss an application, please call 020 3146 3337 or email charitygrants@mcf.org.uk