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Oak Grants

Supporting well-established organisations to scale up, embed change, or address root causes of disadvantage.

 

Everything you need to know before applying

Oak Grants are designed to support established organisations to scale proven approaches, embed lasting change, and tackle systemic disadvantage.

Before committing to an application, please make sure that your organisation and project are eligible for funding and that you have read our grants policy in full.

 

Grant size: Up to £15,000

Grant deadline: The next deadline for Oak Grants is 12/12/2025

 

Who can apply?

We can accept applications from constituted, not-for-profit organisations supporting beneficiaries from Milton Keynes:

  • Unincorporated associations
  • Registered charities
  • Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
  • Sports clubs         
  • Faith groups - where the primary project activity is community-focussed and not for the promotion of religion. beneficiaries must not be required to take part in religious activities, and no individual may be excluded from benefiting on the grounds of faith, religion or lack of belief.
Go To Application Portal Download Application Guidelines


What type of projects can it support?

Oak Grants can support a range of projects and activities. We encourage applications that respond to issues raised in our annual Vital Signs MK report, address local needs, work in partnership, and aim to strengthen the voluntary sector.

What does the grant not cover?
  • Core/running costs, except where these are essential to project delivery, or where they meet eligibility under our Cost of Living grant programme. (for example, increases in utilities, rent, or staffing costs linked to rising living expenses)
  • Statutory activities, or purchase of equipment that will become the property of a statutory body.
  • Animal welfare projects.
  • Retrospective costs (anything that has already been bought or committed to). Rare exceptions may be made where deposits are required. (Must be agreed in advance by a member of the Philanthropy Team).
  • Medical Research or treatment.
  • Deficit funding or repayment of loans.
  • Unspecified expenditure.
  • Contingences and miscellaneous expenses.
  • Events or activities where the primary purpose is to fundraise.
  • Redistributing funds to other charitable organisations (except for specific partnership arrangements).
  • Food and drink (unless vital to the project).
  • Travel and accommodation (unless vital to the project).
How do I start the application?

To apply for the Oak Grant Programme, you need to complete our online application form. Click on the button below to access it.

Read the guidelines to make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria before starting your application.

Make an enquiry

Have any questions? Feel free to get in touch with our team.