Friends of the Foundation was launched in May 2010 and its aim is to bring like-minded businesses and individuals together into a ‘circle of giving’. Each member of the initiative donates a regular amount each year and part of this donation was used to launch the Friends of the Foundation Fund.

The Fund's theme for 2026-2027 is United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: 'Promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all'.

Community organisations and charities can apply for a maximum of £4,000. The projects must commence no sooner than Spring 2027. We welcome proposals that address decent work and economic growth in a variety of different ways. Here are some of the types of projects that could be included:

• Employability hubs - providing career coaching, interview skills, CV writing

• Digital skills - supporting people gain digital skills such as coding, data analysis, digital marketing and IT support qualifications 

• Financial capability support - covering areas such as budgeting, debt management and financial literacy

• Volunteer and employment support for those facing additional barriers - providing tailored support for those who are disabled, care experienced, refugees or ex-offenders

Follow this link to make an application: Friends of the Foundation Fund

Is my group eligible?

• Revenue and Capital Funding is eligible
• Your group must be a small, locally managed VCFSE organisation such as a  charity, constituted community group, social enterprise such as a Community Interest Company (CIC), or a company limited by guarantee with charitable aims. Please note that as a general exclusion, we do not fund social enterprises that have a  person  with significant control (PSC). 
• We wish to fund small projects – we will offer grants of up to £4,000. Your total budget for the project you are applying for cannot be more than £20,000
• You must have people volunteering to help with your activity, who are not part of your management committee
• You must have a set of written rules or constitution that your group adheres to. We can help advise you on how to do this especially if you are a new group
• You must take care to ensure that young people or vulnerable people taking part in your activity do not come to any harm whilst in your care. To this end, you must have written procedures for keeping young people and/or vulnerable people safe otherwise known as a Child Protection or Vulnerable people’s policy.
• You must also have an equalities policy in place. This will be needed as a condition of funding. This will be needed as a condition of funding. You must also have an Equity and Diversity Policy. If you do not have these policies, visit our Help for Groups section.

Go to grant deadlines for all upcoming closing dates.

If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Foundation, please call the Foundation on 01604 230033. 

Please click here to view our Diversity Statement applicable to our grant awards.

Our funds and programmes are working towards the 9 UN SDGs we have adopted into our charitable activities. For more information please click here