Launched in September 2014, BCBN’s Grant Initiative aims to provide small third-sector grant awards to empower charities and local community projects. This initiative will distribute a one-off grant award of up to £3,000 per charity or to small but credible community projects, which are able to demonstrate their positive impact on the communities they aim to serve.

We have in place strict vetting procedures and criteria for successful applications. We take a responsible attitude to the funds provided by our donors. The Initiative will run throughout the year, alongside BCBN’s more headline efforts.

Recipient Grant Terms

Any projects supported must be UK based (excluding Northern Ireland); address a community issue or support a local community initiative; and provide benefits to the local community.

Grant applications are open to non-profit organisations, charities, and community groups (including local branches of national charities) that work for the betterment of local communities through charitable initiatives. To be eligible, all organisations and community interest groups must be registered with a recognised governing body (such as the Charity Commission or Companies House) for a minimum of 18 months (they should have annual accounts available and submitted). If selected for a grant award, applicants will also need to provide their organisation’s articles of association or constitution, demonstrating clear objectives related to community interest and improvement.

Grant Exclusions

• Overseas Activities – BCBN Grant Initiative does not support projects outside of the United Kingdom
• Party political activity – Applications to support fundraising, campaigning or any other activity associated with any political party will not be accepted
• Individual sponsorship – Applications to support individuals will not be accepted
• Travel and accommodation – Requests to assist with travel and accommodation costs are excluded
• Multiple applications – For successful grant applicants only one per person/organisation may be supported in a year (from time awarded); unsuccessful applicants may re-apply after a year (from time of ‘grant term’ submission)
• Retrospective funding
• Application for grants that exceed £3,000 may be turned down
• Part-funding of projects where information on joint funders and relevant partnerships are not provided
• Core/ Running costs and expenses (on-going venue hire, staff cost and salary, bills, printing)
• Professional associations, or training for professionals
• Organisations that do not have charitable aims (such as companies limited by shares and commercial companies)
• Endowments, loans, deficits, general appeals
• Organisations that have been operational for less than one year or are unable to provide governance documents and independently reviewed or audited financial account