Community Foundation for Surrey

The Foundation supports work addressing poverty, mental health, disability, social isolation, education, youth services, family welfare, arts, culture, heritage and the environment. It funds frontline services, wellbeing projects, community facilities, capacity building and crisis response. Grants can be used for project costs, core costs, capacity building, emergency needs, and capital expenditure. The geographic focus is strictly Surrey, and all funded activities must benefit Surrey residents and communities. The Foundation supports both small community initiatives and larger strategic programmes.

The Foundation welcomes applications from UK-registered charities, community groups and social enterprises of any size, with no income restrictions. There is no requirement for applicants to be based in Surrey, as long as their activities directly benefit Surrey residents and communities. Priority is given to work supporting older people, disabled individuals, those with mental health needs, and families in hardship. The Foundation also considers applications from organisations that are not registered charities, such as community groups and social enterprises.

The Foundation does not fund individuals for personal projects, study, or general living costs, unless through specific hardship programmes. It also does not support statutory bodies or private companies. Additionally, grants are not available for activities that do not directly benefit Surrey residents or take place outside Surrey.

The Foundation offers flexible funding that can support project costs, core costs, capacity building, emergency response, and capital needs. It welcomes unsolicited applications and works closely with donors to align funding with community needs. Its approach is informed by ongoing local consultations and needs assessments, and it draws on a network of donor-advised funds and a permanent endowment to respond to emerging priorities.