Published: June 12, 2026
Deadline: Rolling with panel reviews in January, March, June, September, December 2026
Locations: South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
The SYCF Small Grants Programme has reopened on the new Grants Portal. New and existing groups must register on the grants portal. Contact [email protected] for any problems. Drop-in support clinics are available on the website by clicking the apply tab.
About the Programme
These grants are intended for small, developing and less well resourced groups and organisations from across South Yorkshire where small amounts of funding can make a real difference. The programme recognises that modest financial support can have an outsized impact on local communities when directed toward organisations that are deeply embedded in their areas. Many grassroots groups operate on tight budgets and lack access to larger funding streams from national foundations or government programmes.
Groups applying for the programme should not have an annual income of more than £10,000. This threshold ensures that funding reaches the smallest and most resource constrained organisations. Organisations and groups do not have to be a registered charity. This is an important feature of the programme because many effective community groups operate informally or are too small to justify the administrative burden of charity registration.
The majority of grants are one off payments of up to £1,000. These funds are designed to cover specific costs such as equipment purchases or one off events rather than ongoing operational expenses. The programme favours requests where a relatively small investment enables a group to deliver meaningful benefits to its community.
Who Can Apply
Not for profit organisations that can demonstrate how they will address some of the following needs to pay for a one off event or equipment are eligible. If a group or activity does not meet these priorities, an application can still be submitted but it is less likely to receive funding.
The foundation is interested in hearing from groups that respond to their communities needs. This includes organisations that have a clear understanding of local challenges and are trusted by the people they serve. Activities or projects that will support people whose needs can be clearly demonstrated are also prioritised.
Groups whose main activities focus upon the advancement of education, promotion of good health or the relief of poverty and sickness are strongly encouraged to apply. These three areas reflect the core charitable purposes that the programme aims to support. Groups that work in collaboration with other local community groups receive favourable consideration because partnership working often leads to better outcomes and more efficient use of resources.
Activities or projects that will engage people who face discrimination or disadvantage are a priority. This includes but is not limited to groups supporting ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and economically disadvantaged populations. Activities or projects that will produce a wide range of benefits and provide good value for money are also preferred.
Funding Amount
Groups can apply for up to £1,000. This amount is intended as a one off payment rather than recurring annual support.
Application Timeline
The Small Grants Programme operates on a rolling basis but has set panel review dates at the end of January, March, June, September and December in 2026. These are the approximate times when decisions are sent to applicant organisations. Applications should be received in full four weeks before each review date. Applicants should monitor their emails closely in case the Programme Manager needs additional information regarding the application or attached documents.
Decision Timeline
Once the foundation receives a complete and eligible application, applicants can expect a response within 8 to 10 weeks.
How To Apply
Applicants must read the guidance information and complete an online application form through the grants portal. The South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau is available for help or to fine tune applications with their Making A Good Application leaflet.
