Plan your organisation’s income
For many voluntary organisations, covid-19 has meant exploring new funding opportunities.
Before you look for funding opportunities, here are some questions you may want to consider:
- Are you clear about what you need funding for? In order to know who to approach, you should be clear about what you need funding for.
- Have you spoken to your organisation’s existing funders about your funding needs and whether they can offer support? It is often worth speaking to your existing funders to find out if they can offer support at this difficult time. Funders are very aware of the challenges voluntary organisations are facing.
- How will this funding fit with your organisation’s purpose and strategy? It is important that you make sure your approach to funding is in line with your organisation’s purpose and strategy.
- Are you clear about your organisation’s impact? Understanding your organisation’s impact will help you build a case for support.
Read our new funding guidance for more information about funding and planning your organisation’s income.
We also have online training to help you develop your fundraising strategy and diversify your income.
Access funding opportunities
Funding opportunities: General
If you are looking for opportunities to access funds for your organisation, go to:
- My Funding Central, a platform developed by our partners Idox, to provide affordable access to thousands of the latest funding opportunities for charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises in England.
- DSC’s Funds Online which provides thousands of funding opportunities for individuals and organisations from grant-making charities, companies and statutory providers.
Funding opportunities: From government
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme both closed for applications on the 31 March 2021.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is available to support organisations with paying their employees’ wages till 30 September 2021. You can find out more information about the scheme in our Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance.
Find more information about the government’s financial package of support for charities.
The National Lottery Community Fund
- The National Lottery Community Fund is continuing to fund projects and organisations supporting communities through the covid-19 pandemic.
- The Coronavirus Community Support Fund, administered by the National Lottery Community Fund, is now closed.
- Find out more about the funding priorities of the National Lottery Community Fund in England and Wales.
