Ross Foundation

The Foundation makes grants through two programmes. The John Ross MBE Community Fund provides small grants to help community groups buy equipment, improve facilities, or sustain day-to-day operations. This fund focuses on North East Lincolnshire and the Grimsby area. Major Strategic Grants support work in education, arts, culture, community, music and sport, with a strong emphasis on children and young people. These grants are available across England and Wales. Within these fields, the Foundation prioritises projects that enable disadvantaged people to participate fully in society, whether through learning, creative activity, or sport.

The Foundation welcomes applications from registered charities, schools, and community groups. It does not fund individuals. The Community Fund is aimed at small local groups based in and serving North East Lincolnshire and Grimsby. Major Strategic Grants are open to organisations working anywhere in England and Wales. Across both programmes, priority is given to initiatives that benefit children and young people, and to those that support disadvantaged people in taking part in society. There is no religious restriction on funding, and applicants should note the Foundation’s geographic priorities.

The Foundation does not make grants to individuals. It also does not support organisations working outside its geographic priorities: the community fund is restricted to North East Lincolnshire and Grimsby, while major grants are limited to England and Wales. Applications that fall outside these areas will not be considered.

The Foundation adopts a partnership-driven approach, working alongside grantees to deliver lasting benefits. It accepts unsolicited applications. Its funding can cover core operational costs, equipment and capital works, as well as larger strategic initiatives. The dual structure allows the Foundation to offer both small, flexible grants and substantial awards, depending on the scale of the need.