Coalfields Regeneration Trust

The Trust supports physical and mental health interventions, including wellbeing programmes, mental health counselling, and cancer support services for residents facing economic inactivity and isolation. It also funds foundation-level skills training and employability programmes addressing youth unemployment, as well as youth sport initiatives such as after-school clubs and outdoor activities for young people aged 5-19. Economic regeneration is supported through property-based job creation, asset transfers, and micro business loans for social enterprises. The Trust also backs capacity building for voluntary organisations delivering peer support, community action planning, and respite services, alongside climate outcomes through renewable energy investments benefiting community hubs. Geographically, the Trust focuses exclusively on former coalfield communities in England, Scotland, and Wales, with particular priority on communities in Wales and Scotland.

Organisations including registered charities, community groups, sports clubs, and social enterprises based in or serving former coalfield communities are welcome to apply. The Trust prioritises grassroots organisations rooted in place-based needs, particularly those led by people with lived experience of coalfield communities. Beneficiaries include residents facing economic inactivity, young people aged 5-19, and individuals affected by health inequalities or isolation. There is no restriction on religious context.

The Trust does not fund personal costs or core organisational running costs unless project-specific. Retrospective activities and initiatives outside of former coalfield communities are excluded.

The Trust operates a self-sustaining reinvestment model, generating profits from property and renewable energy subsidiaries to fund its grants. It welcomes unsolicited applications and emphasises data-driven, outcomes-focused partnerships with grassroots organisations. Funding is delivered through a partnership-driven approach, valuing lived experience leadership and measurable impacts.