National Funding Scheme
Could National Funding Scheme fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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nationalfundingscheme.orgAbout National Funding Scheme
The National Funding Scheme is a UK charity that helps other charities raise money through digital technology. It operates the DONATE™ platform, a fundraising tool designed to make giving simple and accessible for supporters while helping organisations build sustainable income. The Scheme is driven by a belief in innovation, digital inclusion and collaboration, and works to strengthen the wider charity sector by sharing knowledge and promoting good fundraising practice. It acts as a technology-first intermediary rather than a grantmaker, enabling diverse organisations to raise funds effectively and inclusively.
What National Funding Scheme funds
The Scheme supports a broad range of charitable causes, including arts and heritage, education, youth work, disability support, poverty relief and social welfare. It enables any organisation with a charitable purpose to fundraise using digital technology. Organisations can use the DONATE™ platform to raise funds for core costs, projects or campaigns through methods such as SMS, web, QR codes and contactless payments, covering both one-off and regular giving.
Who can apply
The platform is open to all UK registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, community benefit societies, faith groups, community groups, social enterprises and unincorporated associations. Individuals cannot register directly and must find a permitted body to accept donations. There is no geographic restriction within the UK, and no religious restriction on eligible organisations.
What National Funding Scheme doesn't fund
The Scheme does not fund individuals. It does not support commercial activity or commercial trading. Organisations must meet a minimum payout threshold before funds are released.
How they like to fund
The National Funding Scheme provides a digital fundraising platform rather than making grants. It supports one-off and regular giving, and funds can be raised for core costs, projects or campaigns. The Scheme welcomes unsolicited sign-ups through its website and acts as an intermediary, empowering organisations to raise money directly from supporters.
How much does National Funding Scheme give?
National Funding Scheme runs one grant programme. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 10 sourced facts
- Online portal
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What National Funding Scheme funds — and what they won't
The full exclusions list (3)
- No commercial activity or commercial trading
- Minimum payout threshold of £100
- Individuals cannot register directly
Good to know
How to apply to National Funding Scheme
National Funding Scheme takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: online portal.
- Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
What National Funding Scheme's application asks
We hold the 9 questions from National Funding Scheme's application form, word for word — so you know exactly what you're signing up to answer.
“First name”
“Last name”
7 more questions from their form, plus answers drafted from your charity's real data if you decide to apply.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if National Funding Scheme could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does National Funding Scheme provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact National Funding Scheme directly for current funding levels.
Where does National Funding Scheme fund charities?
National Funding Scheme funds charities operating in the UK.
Does National Funding Scheme accept unsolicited applications?
National Funding Scheme accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does National Funding Scheme not fund?
Their published exclusions include: No commercial activity or commercial trading; Minimum payout threshold of £100; Individuals cannot register directly. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from National Funding Scheme?
National Funding Scheme takes applications via online form. Published programme route: online portal.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.
Could National Funding Scheme be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.