FAQ
When can we apply?
Applications can be made at any time throughout the year. Please check our deadline dates on the Grant Award Deadlines page, although earlier submission is encouraged.
How often can we apply?
Charities can apply once in every calendar year.
Who can apply?
Registered charities that can demonstrate specific charitable work and public benefit in Birmingham, the 4 boroughs of the Black Country (Walsall, Sandwell, Wolverhampton & Dudley), Worcestershire and Herefordshire providing support in any of the following key sectors: Children & Young People; Disabled & Health; Environment & Heritage; The Arts; Work in the Community & the Elderly; Social Support and Hospices. These registered charities are normally based in our beneficial area.
Can national charities apply?
Applications are now only considered from national charities that have a registered or headquarters address in our beneficial area and can demonstrate specific work in our beneficial area. However, there is one exception to this guidance: national charities that have received at least one grant from us in the last two calendar years may still submit an appeal for trustees’ consideration.
What can we appeal for?
Charities can appeal for core funding or a project/capital appeal.
What documents are required with the application form?
A supporting letter (generally no longer than 2 pages) giving details of your charity and your appeal, accounts no older than 18 months* prior to your appeal are attached to the email, and confirmation of your bank details (see below for acceptable documents). All documents are preferred in PDF format.
*For example, accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 can only be used for applications submitted before 30 September 2024.
Which documents are suitable to confirm your bank details?
A scanned copy of either a (i) Bank Giro Credit (paying in slip) or (ii) a cheque book or (iii) a bank statement. A transaction listing is not suitable.
Why do we have to provide a document to prove our bank details?
To ensure that we use accurate and current bank details for internet payments.
How much can we apply for?
Most grants made are generally between £1,000 and £5,000. Larger grants may be considered for our regular beneficiaries and capital projects.
If our application is successful, when will we know?
We advise our successful applicants within two weeks of the Trustees meeting.
If our application is rejected, can we reapply?
Charities can reapply once in every calendar year, and normally after approximately 12 months have expired since the last application.
Do you have an appeals process for rejected applications?
We do not have an appeals process and the Trustees decision is final.
Can I get feedback on why our application is refused?
The Trustees do not give reasons why an application is declined.
How does a charity become a regular beneficiary?
To qualify as a regular beneficiary, a charity must have 4 years of consecutive grant awards. These charities are usually visited (on-site or by video call, as appropriate) on a biennial basis.
Who cannot apply:
- Individuals and non-registered charities.
- Charities that are primarily grant paying.
- Community Interest Companies.
- Social Enterprise and other not-for-profit organisations.
- New charities that have not been fully operational for at least 3 years.
- Charities that are not involved in one of the key sectors that we support.
The following are unlikely to have a successful appeal:
- Charities with large investment portfolios and/or excessive reserves.
- Charities with large defined-benefit pension fund deficits.
- National charities not meeting the specific criteria noted above.
- Charities that do not submit recent accounts with their appeal, as above.
- Charities with high levels of scientific and/or medical research.
- Charities with relatively high costs of raising funds or overheads.
- Charities with governance issues (such as late or incorrect accounts).