Capital grants are available to UK registered charities working in the UK in one of the following areas: communities experiencing racial inequalities, disabilities, domestic and sexual abuse, economic disadvantage, homelessness, LGBT+ communities, older people facing disadvantage, prison rehabilitation, substance misuse and addiction, and young people facing disadvantage.
Two levels of grant are available:
- Small grants – up to £15,000 for organisations with a turnover of less than £2 million.
- Large grants – more than £15,000 for organisations with a turnover of between £2 million and £10 million.
In 2025 the success rates for eligible applications to the Open Grants Programme was 28%.
Who Can Apply
Applications are accepted from UK charities registered with the Charity Commission (or delegated authority), Community Interest Companies (limited by guarantee without share capital), or Community Benefit Societies.
Organisations must have:
- An annual turnover of less than £10 million if applying for a grant of more than £15,000 (a ‘Large Grant’).
- An annual turnover of less than £2 million if applying for a grant of £15,000 or less (a ‘Small Grant’).
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the work of their organisation fits within one or more of the Foundation’s programme areas and that at least 50% of service users benefiting from the capital project are from one or more of those groups.
This Foundation awards grants in the following areas:
- Substance misuse and addiction – organisations supporting people and families affected by drugs and/or alcohol misuse.
- Disabilities (inc. mental health and visual impairment) – organisations supporting people who have physical and/or learning disabilities, and/or people experiencing mental health issues. The Foundation has a long-standing commitment to visual impairment, so it welcomes applications from organisations focused in this area. Those providing support to the families and carers of those with disabilities can also apply under this programme area.
- Communities experiencing racial inequalities – organisations supporting communities affected by racism, and organisations working to promote racial equity. Organisations may be providing specialist services such as employment support or legal advice primarily to minoritised communities or may provide more general community support. These communities may face discrimination or disadvantage on the grounds of ethnicity or faith.
- Young people facing disadvantage – organisations supporting young people facing disadvantages, particularly (but not limited to) young people in care or leaving care and young people not in employment, education or training. The foundation does not accept applications from pupil referral units, schools or organisations delivering other mainstream educational provision under this programme area.
- Domestic and sexual abuse – organisations supporting adults and children affected by any form of domestic or sexual abuse. This includes victims, survivors and perpetrators of abuse. It includes services helping victims escape abusive relationships, or any part of the recovery cycle. Examples include refuges and women’s organisations. Organisations applying for a capital project linked to supporting perpetrators must have or be working towards Respect accreditation.
- Older people facing disadvantage – organisations providing services for older people facing disadvantage, particularly (but not limited to) economic disadvantage and isolation.
- Homelessness – organisations providing services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This includes those providing homelessness accommodation, or services such as food banks and furniture recycling.
- Prison rehabilitation – organisations supporting people in prison and their families, those at risk of offending, and the rehabilitation of those leaving prison.
- LGBT+ communities – organisations providing support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people facing disadvantage or discrimination.
- Economic disadvantage – organisations supporting individuals or communities experiencing poverty and deprivation. This may include urgent support as well as longer-term work to relieve economic disadvantage.
NB At least 50% of an applying organisation’s service users benefiting from the capital project must be from one or more of the above groups.
Funding is available for capital costs. This means tangible items or work, including:
- Buildings – purchase, construction, renovation and/or refurbishment.
- Fittings, fixtures, and equipment – this includes but is not limited to office equipment/furniture, sports/gym equipment, digital/audio visual equipment, software and websites, garden equipment, specialist therapeutic (excluding medical) equipment.
- Vehicles – includes (but is not exclusive to) minibuses, cars, caravans, people-carriers, 4×4 and boats. The Foundation is unlikely to fund the total cost of a new vehicle or award funding to an organisation that already owns a large number of vehicles.
- Digital infrastructure – this includes, but is not limited to, one-off (not ongoing) costs for the digitisation of processes, the development or updating of communication platforms such as websites or apps, or adding digital features to existing services. These projects should be well past the ‘brainstorming’ phase, and be ready for development.
The Foundation prioritises funding to organisations that are led by, or fully integrate in their decision-making, people with related lived experience, and to projects that allow organisations to make a big change to their reach, impact, or sustainability.
How To Apply
Applications may be submitted at any time.
Applicants must first complete an online eligibility quiz to get access to an online application form. The following application process then applies:
- Small Grants have a one-stage application process, with one form. These are reviewed on a rolling basis. The Foundation aims to respond within 12 weeks.
- Large Grants have a two-stage application process; the first form will capture information on the organisation, the project, and its intended impact. These are reviewed on a rolling basis. The Foundation aims to respond within six weeks. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a second stage application.
Contact the Clothworkers’ Foundation for further information.