Nesta

Nesta supports activities in England across community development, environmental sustainability, poverty reduction, and early years education. Through programmes such as the Connected Communities Innovation Fund, it backs community-led environmental and development projects at early or growing stages. The Savers Support Fund helps young people build financial resilience and avoid poverty. The organisation also funds work that reduces household carbon emissions, improves health outcomes, and closes the school readiness gap. While applicants can be based anywhere in the United Kingdom, the benefits of their proposals must be delivered in England only.

Registered charities, social enterprises, community groups, and unincorporated associations with formal membership structures are eligible to apply. Public services and partnerships led by these organisations may also be supported. Applicants can be established in any part of the UK, but the work funded must benefit people in England. Nesta does not fund individuals. There is no restriction on religious context, but the organisation does not fund party political or religious activities. Beneficiaries include young people, low-income families, and the wider community.

Nesta does not support individuals or unincorporated associations without formal membership structures. It also excludes party political or religious activities from its funding. Paid marketing or advertising costs can only be covered in limited circumstances; the main activity of a project cannot be marketing or advertising.

Nesta does not accept unsolicited applications; funding is awarded through targeted programme calls. Some programmes require match funding of at least 33 per cent, which can include in-kind contributions. The organisation supports innovative projects that are designed to be tested and scaled, and it works with partners across sectors to achieve systemic change.