Grant Process Timeline
We fund projects that create positive change through our three funding pillars: Arts, Community and Environment.
Our application process is designed to help you determine whether your project is eligible for funding and to support you in developing a strong application. Before applying, we encourage you to read the guidance carefully. The steps below outline the application process, from checking your eligibility through to reporting, evaluating and learning if your application is successful.
If you would like to talk to us about your application you can set up a meeting or share pre-application questions by contacting us below.
1.
Read About Our Funding Priorities
Read more about our funding priorities and the outcomes we want to support through our programmes in: Arts, Community and Environment.
2.
Read the Application Guidance
Read the application guidance carefully to understand our eligibility criteria and assessment process.
Copies of the eligibility quiz and application forms for our Buckinghamshire programmes can be found on the programme pages. Including details of our Diversity Equity and Inclusion monitoring completed by all at the application stage.
3.
Create an Account
Create an account on our application portal. This will allow you to access the application form, save your progress and submit your proposal.
4.
Eligibility Quiz
Take our eligibility quiz to check whether your organisation and project are eligible to apply for funding.
5.
Pre-Application Call
Book a pre-application call with our team to discuss your project idea, ask questions and receive guidance before submitting an application.
6.
Access Support Fund
Apply for an Access Support grant to help overcome barriers to applying, such as literacy or language needs, visual impairments, or other accessibility requirements.
7.
Submit Your Application
Complete the application form and upload any required supporting documents. Your proposal should clearly demonstrate how your project contributes to our Arts, Community and/or Environment pillars.
The required documents are outlined on the programme page. Applicants may be contacted at this point to check any missing information.
8.
A Decision is Made
Once submitted, your application will be assessed against our funding criteria. We will notify you of the outcome and, if successful, you will progress to the next steps below. If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive an email with feedback on the decision. Time frames will be advertised on the programme page.
9.
Complete Your Grant Agreement
If your application is successful, we will email you with the Grant Agreement that you need to sign and return. This includes:
- Terms and Conditions
- Details of the amount of funding awarded and over how long
- Reporting requirements and due date(s)
- An outline of the payment schedule
- Information on communicating about your grant and branding requirements
10.
The Grant is Paid
If your application is successful, you will need to do the following before the grant can be paid:
- Fulfil any conditions that are included in your Grant Agreement
- Sign and return the Grant Agreement
- Send a scan or photograph of a recent original bank statement
Successful applicants will receive their funding around a month to six weeks after the return of the signed Grant Agreement. Please note 10% of the final payment is released on approval of final report and for multi-year grants the grant is paid in instalments.
11.
Reporting, evaluation and learning
Applicants can be reassured that our reporting requirements are intentionally light touch. Funded organisations share an annual written report where we are typically interested in:
- Your definition of success and how it has changed.
- Key successes and challenges.
- How collaborations and partnerships support your work.
- Lessons learned and how you’ll apply them.
- Breakdown of beneficiaries reached through your funded activity.
We encourage organisations to share learning, changes, and challenges beyond formal reporting. Through ongoing conversations, reports, and learning activities, we gather insights that help us learn alongside funded organisations and shape our programmes and support in response to their needs.
12.
Share your Feedback
We actively seek feedback from applicants and funded organisations on our funding programmes, interactions and processes so we can continually improve.
- Leave us an anonymised online review through GrantAdvisor UK
- Funded organisations can email their Grant Manager or provide feedback through their annual reporting
- Share anonymised feedback on the application process after an application decision
Read more about our approach to learning and insight
Need Further Assistance?
Explore our Grant FAQs. If you still need help, please get in touch with our team.
Buckinghamshire Grant Programmes
Community Fund
The Fund aims to build the capacity of organisations, charities and groups in Buckinghamshire offering support to address Mental health and wellbeing, homelessness, financial hardship and physical and/or learning disabilities.
The Community Fund offers grants of up to £30,000 over 3 years for activities addressing our priorities.
Green Fund
The Green Fund offers grants of up to £10,000 to support funded organisations to address the challenge of climate change within their own organisations. Only available to current holders of Community or Buckinghamshire Arts and Community Growing Fund grants.
Buckinghamshire Arts and Community Growing
The Funds support organisations that share our commitment to creating positive change in Buckinghamshire. We’re particularly interested in working with partners who understand the needs of local communities and can show evidence they are making a difference in the county.
The Funds offer grants of up to £300,000 over 3 years for activities addressing our priorities.
Schools Access Fund
The Rothschild Foundation and Waddesdon Manor jointly run a Schools Access Fund offering grants up to £1,000 to cover the costs of school trips to the house and gardens. We want to encourage new audiences to experience Waddesdon and to take part in the Learning Team’s programme.