Hey Smile Foundation

The foundation funds a broad range of community-led activity, with a strong local focus on Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire and some programmes extending across the wider Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region. Cause areas include children and young people, arts and culture, physical and mental health, community development, digital inclusion, skills and education, volunteering, and employment. Supported costs depend on the programme but can cover project delivery, equipment, training, materials, room hire, insurance, transport, volunteer expenses, and in some cases staff and running costs. The foundation also supports work that reduces health inequalities, improves self-management of health, and creates volunteering opportunities, as well as green social prescribing activities that connect people to nature-based interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Applicants must be not-for-profit organisations such as registered charities, community groups, community interest companies, social enterprises, or community benefit societies, along with faith groups and schools in some programmes. Organisations are typically expected to be based in and serve the local area, with most funding focused on Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire, while some regional programmes cover North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire, Vale of York, and North Yorkshire. The foundation prioritises grassroots groups, including those led by or supporting children, young people, older adults, disabled people, and other marginalised groups. Statutory organisations may sometimes participate as partners rather than lead applicants.

The foundation does not generally fund core costs or salaries, and it avoids supporting organisations with more than 12 months' reserves. It also excludes local branches of national organisations unless they are locally managed and financially independent, public bodies requesting funds for statutory obligations, and any work that promotes religion or political causes. Retrospective funding, projects that duplicate existing services, one-off events without long-term benefit, and general large appeals or fundraising events are also outside its scope.

Hey Smile Foundation offers both one-off and multi-year grants, depending on the programme, with funding directed towards project delivery and specific costs rather than general running expenses. It welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible local organisations. Alongside grant funding, the foundation acts as a capacity builder, offering governance support and funding advice to help organisations sustain their work.