The Wolfson Foundation’s Main Grants Programme (Funding for Places) provides support for localities. Grants are for capital infrastructure initiatives, specifically buildings (new build or refurbishment) and equipment. The Foundation funds a broad range of organisations working across the fields of:
o Disability.
o Education.
o Health.
o Heritage.
o Humanities.
o Medicine.
o Science, and
o The Arts.
The Foundation will accept applications from the following types of organisation:
o Historic buildings & landscapes.
o Hospices & palliative care organisations.
o Places of worship.
o Libraries & archives.
o Museums & galleries.
o Performing arts organisations.
o Public engagement with science organisations.
o Registered charities working with disability.
o Registered charities working in mental health.
o Registered charities working with older people.
o Secondary schools & sixth form colleges.
o Special needs schools & colleges, and
o Universities & research institution
Grant awards can vary considerably. As a guide, during the year ended 31 March 2021, the Foundation made 281 grants totalling £35,718,852, representing an average grant of £127,113.
The Foundation will expect applicants whose project is over £50,000 to have confirmed matched funding in place when they apply to the second stage of the application process. For projects in the fields of (1) arts humanities, science, medicine, health and disability projects and (2) schools and education projects, applicants will be expected to meet the following matched funding criteria:
1. Arts and humanities, science and medicine or health and disability projects - the Foundation generally requires that at least 25% of the capital costs of the project are raised before submission (unless the project cost is under £50,000).
2. Schools/education projects - where the total cost of the project is above £1 million, 25% match funding is required; if the total project cost is between £50,000 and £1 million, some match funds are required; and if the total project cost is below £50,000, no match funding is required.
Funding is not available for:
o Community Interest Companies (CICs).
o Costs of meetings, exhibitions, concerts or expeditions.
o Film or promotional materials.
o Non-specific appeals (including circulars) and endowment funds.
o Overheads, maintenance costs, VAT and professional fees.
o Projects that have already been completed or will be by the time of award.
o Projects where the total cost is below £15,000.
o The purchase of land or existing buildings (including a building's freehold), or
o The repayment of loans.
The Foundation has a 2-stage application process:
1. Stage 1 is to determine whether a project proposal would be eligible for grant support. Applications should be made through the online application process on the Foundation’s website.
2. Stage 2 invites applicants that have successfully passed the Stage 1 assessment to complete a Full Application.
Further information, guidance and access to the Stage 1 application form is available on the Foundation's website.
The next application deadline for Stage 1 applications is Friday 1st July 2022.
