Up to £5,000 for Charities Improving Local Communities – DWF Foundation

The DWF Foundation Grant Programme supports registered charities delivering projects that improve communities and opportunities for people, particularly around homelessness, wellbeing, education, employment and environmental sustainability.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Most grants are under £5,000

• No formal minimum grant amount

• One-off project funding

• Funding for projects tackling specific community issues

• Support for projects helping charities and community groups become more effective

• Projects encouraging participation from people who are often excluded

• Support helping young people develop skills

• Applications considered at three Grant Committee meetings each year

• The Foundation has awarded more than £1.5 million since launching in 2015

• Multi-year grants aren't available.

Funding focuses on:

• Homelessness

• Health and wellbeing

• Employability

• Education

• Environment and sustainability.

Who can apply?

• Registered charities only

• Charities working in countries where DWF has a presence

• UK charities are eligible

• International charities may also qualify in eligible DWF locations

• Projects should deliver clear benefits to local communities

• Individuals aren't eligible

• CICs and social enterprises aren't eligible

• Other grant-making organisations aren't eligible.

Deadline: 30 September 2026