FAQ

When can we apply?

Applications can be made at any time throughout the year. Please check our deadline dates on the Grant Awards 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. 

Can national charities apply?

Local charities are more likely to be successful. Applications are normally only considered from national charities that are headquartered or have a hub in our beneficial area, can demonstrate specific work in the beneficial area (not merely an estimated proportion of overall work) and already have a history of grants being received from ourselves. 

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 2 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-charities.
• Grant giving charities.
• Community Interest Companies.
• Social Enterprise and other not-for-profit organisations.
• New charities that have not been fully operational for at least 3 years.

The following are unlikely to have a successful appeal:

• Charities with large investment portfolios or excessive reserves.
• Charities with a large defined-benefit pension fund deficit.
• National charities not meeting the criteria above.
• Charities that do not submit recent accounts with their appeal.
• Charities that are research-based organisations.
• Charities with a high cost of raising funds within charitable expenditure.
• Charities with governance issues.