Millennium Awards Trust

The Trust funds social ventures addressing poverty, education, and community benefit across the whole of the UK. Support can be used for core costs, project delivery, equipment, training, events, transport, and feasibility work. For more established ventures, salaries are also eligible. The funding is designed to cover the practical expenses needed to turn a social idea into reality, from initial research and equipment to running activities and building capacity. Both awards are flexible in how the money can be spent, as long as it directly contributes to the venture's social purpose.

Individuals aged 16 and over across the UK can apply, whether they are leading a community group, social enterprise, or charity. There is no restriction on the type of organisation the individual is working through, and no income thresholds apply. The Trust particularly welcomes applications from social entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, including those who may face additional barriers. Applicants must be based in the UK and their venture must benefit people in the UK.

The Trust does not fund capital works, the purchase of vehicles (except bicycles for non-personal use), formal qualifications, or activities that fall outside the law or promote disharmony. They also exclude loans, interest payments, tax liabilities, contingency funds, and costs incurred before approval. Funding cannot be used to employ others to undertake the bulk of the award activity.

The Trust makes one-off awards that must be spent within 12 months of approval. They fund both core costs and project costs, and welcome unsolicited applications. Alongside the grant, they provide holistic support to help social entrepreneurs develop their ventures and achieve lasting impact.