The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust’s grant funding is focused on providing funding to larger initiatives that offer the potential to have a significant and profound impact on rural communities across the UK, particularly in the areas of:

o Agriculture.
o Education.
o Research.
o Rural development.
o Social welfare.
o The relief of poverty, and
o Any other charitable purpose.

The Trust focuses its support on initiatives with a wide-reaching impact rather than local initiatives. The Trust will aim wherever possible to encourage organisations to work together in a cohesive manner to ensure that the rural community as a whole is supported.

A rural area is normally considered to be a settlement with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Projects should fit into the Trust’s overarching strategic objectives, which are to:

o Advance the education of the public by means of research and dissemination of information in relation to agriculture.
o Advance the education of the public by means of research and dissemination of information in relation to insurance.
o Advance the education of young people within rural areas.
o Promote research into agricultural associated activities.
o Promote the benefit and social welfare of inhabitants of rural communities by associating together with the inhabitants and local authorities, voluntary and other organisations to advance education and leisure, and
o Relieve poverty within rural areas.

Grants are normally one-off, from £1,000 up to £50,000 and occasionally more. While matched funding is not essential, it is welcomed by the Trust.

During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Trust made grants totalling £1,021,849 (2021: £1,051,700; 2020: £1,092,500; 2019: £252,460) to 25 (2021: 20; 2020: 19) organisations. Many of the recipients were directly connected with agriculture, although a number of other organisations were also awarded grants.

Funding is not available for:

o Overseas projects or appeals.
o Salaries, or
o University fees.

Further information, guidance frequently asked questions (FAQs) and details about how to apply can be found on the Trust’s website.

The Trustees meet twice a year to consider applications. The 2024 deadlines for applications are:

1. Friday 24th May for the Grants Panel meeting scheduled for June 2024, and
2. Friday 25th October for the Grants Panel meeting scheduled for November 2024.