Applying for a Grant

Grants Applying for a Grant

Are you a local charity or voluntary organisation whose work benefits people in the Milton Keynes area? Then, why not apply for a grant from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation?

The Foundation has the first-hand knowledge of the local community that ensures a thoughtful and focused grant-making programme is in place to identify the real local need. We welcome applications and will do our best to help your group.

Since 1987 the Foundation has awarded over £6.5 million in grants to local good causes and has made a major contribution to the local community.

Who can apply for grants?

Local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in the Milton Keynes Unitary Authority Area can apply for funding. If you wish to apply, but aren’t sure if you meet our criteria please go to ’Are you eligible?’ to find out more.
Examples of support:

Social activities which build people’s confidence
Specific training courses and programmes, whether they aim to teach basic skills or higher level (such as computing)
Support groups and networks tackling employment
Activities to reduce isolation and bring people together, thus improving the local social capital in a neighbourhood
Schemes that offer additional benefits to the wider community, such as an improvement to the environment on an estate or provision of an accessible local service or facility.

What type of activities are funded?
Grants are made to a broad spectrum of local activities, including health, children and young people, older people, physically disabled people and those with learning difficulties, arts and culture, and projects providing services in the community.

Please go to ’Grants Awarded’ for details of the types of groups and projects we have recently funded.

Our Partnership Organisations
Due to our funding criteria, we may not always be able to support your application and would recommend you contact our partner organisations who may be able to help.

Milton Keynes Arts Association
Under the Foundation's current grants policy we are not able to fund individual artists. We therefore recommend you contact the Milton Keynes Arts Association (MKAA) www.mk-arts.co.uk who distribute grants of up to £1,500 to both individuals and community art based groups on behalf of the Foundation and Milton Keynes Council.
The role of the MKAA is to provide funds and help develop and promote potential and high quality artistic work for the benefit of the Milton Keynes community. Areas include; literature, theatre, visual arts, music and dance.
Sport Milton Keynes
Groups seeking up to £500 for sports training should contact Sport Milton Keynes www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/sportsdev who distribute grants, awards and bursaries on behalf of a number of partners including the Milton Keynes Community Foundation. They are an independant voice for the city's sporting community who help to raise the profile of sport across the city.

When can we apply?

Small grants are awarded every month to groups who may for example, require funding for equipment, training or small projects and events.
Community grants are awarded five times a year to groups who require funding for larger community projects.
Development grants are awarded annually for three successive years and are available for innovative and creative projects that develop a group’s activity in supporting local people. For full details see the Information sheet which can be downloaded on the Application Forms page.

To find out when this year's application deadline dates are, please go to ’Deadlines for Applications’ .

How much funding can we apply for?

Small grants - up to £1,500
Community grants - up to £7,500
Development grants - up to £25,000 a year for three years

The Grants Committee may on occasions award larger 'extraordinary' grants for a significant project, so please come and talk to us.

Who makes the decisions?

Your application will be considered by a committee of Community Representatives and Trustees with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to make a decision on your application.

How long will this take?

You will be informed of the committee’s decision within one week of the grant meeting.

Can we get advice?

If you are applying for a grant for the first time or if you need help filling out your application form, do give our Grants Team a ring on Tel: 01908 690276. We’re here to make grants so don’t be afraid to ask!