Forever Notts

Forever Notts, formerly Nottinghamshire Community Foundation and established in 1997 as an independent registered charity, serves as a vital broker for local philanthropy in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Its mission is to connect donors—individuals, businesses, families, and trusts—with grassroots causes, channeling funds into resilient communities to tackle inequalities, deprivation, and social needs. Rooted in values of local engagement, sustainability, inclusion, and empowering small, volunteer-led groups often overlooked by national funders, it administers over 50 tailored funds, leveraging deep local knowledge, deprivation mapping, and partnerships for maximum impact.

The foundation prioritizes projects addressing poverty alleviation, community development, health and wellbeing, youth services, social inclusion, arts and culture, crime prevention, education, and support for vulnerable groups like the elderly, disabled, and refugees. Funding supports direct interventions such as food banks, befriending services, mental health initiatives, youth clubs, and capacity-building, favoring measurable outcomes that enhance lives and community resilience across city and county areas.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, CICs, community groups, and social enterprises based in or serving Nottingham city and Nottinghamshire, with a strong preference for small to medium organizations (e.g., under £500,000–£1m turnover, excluding large nationals for some funds). Grants typically range from £350 to £10,000 (up to £25,000 for select rural projects), covering project costs, core funding, equipment, and occasionally emergencies or seed grants. Unsolicited online applications are accepted via fund-specific forms—check the 'Apply for Grants' page for criteria and personalized links—with deadlines varying (e.g., Supporting Rural Communities: 21 Feb 2025; rolling for some small funds). Distinctives include its flexible donor-tailored approach, rigorous monitoring, and focus on grassroots innovation, avoiding invitation-only funds like Major Oak.