When You Are Ready to Apply
Before applying for grants, make sure your charity's foundations are solid. You need a clear mission, a registered charity number (or evidence of applying), a bank account in the charity's name, a governing document, and basic policies such as safeguarding and data protection. Most importantly, you need to be delivering some activity already — even if it is small-scale and volunteer-led. Funders want to support organisations that are already doing the work, not ideas that exist only on paper. If you have been running activities informally for a few months and can describe who you are helping and what difference it makes, you are ready to apply. Do not wait until everything is perfect. Many funders specifically seek out grassroots organisations in their early stages.
Small Grants to Start With
Your first grant will almost certainly be a small one, and that is a good thing. Small grants of 500 to 10,000 pounds have simpler application processes, faster decisions, and less onerous reporting requirements. The National Lottery Awards for All programme is one of the most accessible options, offering up to 10,000 pounds for community projects across the UK. Local community foundations are another excellent starting point — they often prioritise grassroots organisations and offer grants from 500 to 5,000 pounds. Your local council for voluntary service (CVS) or NCVO regional office can point you to funding opportunities in your area. Some national funders, such as the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Henry Smith Charity, have small grants programmes specifically for organisations with incomes below 100,000 pounds. Use Fundermatcher to filter by grant size and find funders that match your cause and location.
Building a Track Record
A track record does not require years of operation or large budgets. It means demonstrating that you deliver what you promise. Start by documenting everything from day one: how many people attend your sessions, what feedback they give, any changes you observe, and how volunteers and service users describe the impact. Collect case studies and testimonials with proper consent. Take photographs of activities. Keep simple spreadsheets tracking attendance and demographics. If you receive a small grant, report on it thoroughly and on time — this builds a relationship with the funder and creates a reference for future applications. Many small funders will provide references for larger funders if asked. Each successful grant, no matter how small, adds to your credibility and makes the next application easier.
What Funders Want from New Organisations
Funders who support new charities are not expecting polished performance data or sophisticated monitoring frameworks. They are looking for passion, authenticity, and a clear connection to the community you serve. They want to see that the people leading the charity understand the problem from direct experience, that there is genuine demand for your services, and that you have a realistic plan for what you will do with the money. Be honest about your stage of development. Explain what you have achieved so far with limited resources and what a grant would enable you to do next. Show that your trustees are engaged and that you have thought about sustainability beyond this single grant. Funders who support early-stage organisations understand the value of investing in potential, but they still need to see good governance and financial responsibility.
Writing Your First Application
Keep your first application simple and honest. Do not try to sound like a large, established charity — your strength is your grassroots authenticity. Start by explaining who you are and why you exist in plain language. Describe the need you are addressing using local evidence and the voices of the people you serve. Explain exactly what you will do with the grant: how many sessions, how many people, over what period. Set realistic outcomes — it is better to promise three things and deliver them than to promise ten and fall short. Your budget should be straightforward and clearly linked to your activities. If you are unsure about anything, call the funder. Most grant officers are happy to answer questions from new applicants, and that conversation itself helps build a relationship. Ask a trustee or volunteer to proofread your application before you submit it.
Match Funding and Co-Investment
Some funders ask whether you have match funding — other income sources that contribute to the same project. As a new charity, you might not have other grants, but match funding can take many forms. Volunteer time can be valued at an hourly rate (NCVO publishes guidance on this). In-kind support such as free venue hire, donated equipment, or pro bono professional services all count. If your trustees or supporters have raised funds through events or personal donations, include these. Some funders require a specific percentage of match funding, while others simply want to see that you are not entirely dependent on a single source. Being able to show that you are resourceful and can leverage multiple forms of support is a powerful signal to funders, even when the amounts are modest.
After Your First Grant
Receiving your first grant is just the beginning. Deliver the project as promised, keep careful records, and submit your reports on time and in full. Thank the funder — a short letter or email from a beneficiary means more than you might think. Use the experience to reflect on what you have learned about running funded projects: what went well, what you would do differently, and what capacity gaps you need to address. Start planning your next application before the current grant ends. Build a pipeline of potential funders at different levels — some for small operational costs, others for larger project funding. Register with Fundermatcher to continuously discover new funders as your charity grows and your track record strengthens. Your first grant is proof that someone believes in your work. Use that momentum to build something lasting.