Unlock critical funding and launch innovative initiatives.
Our grant-focused solutions transform revolutionary initiatives into fundable proposals.
At the heart of our Grant success solution is our proprietary Conscious Writing™ methodology, a strategic, psychologically informed approach to persuasive writing that aligns narrative, evidence, and institutional priorities with the mindset of the decision-maker.
Explore our services and choose the support you need to secure the funding your work deserves.
Grant writing
Funder-focused grant writing powered by Conscious Writing™, turning strategy into persuasive, high-scoring applications.
Grant review
Conscious Writing™-led reviews expert reviews that strengthen initiatives, innovation, compliance and scoring.
Lifecycle management
Structured, stress-free application coordination that leverages Shipley principles for end-to-end management and delivery.
Strategy and governance
A retained, strategic partnership that strengthens grant performance through governance, resourcing, strategy and quality control across high-volume or business-critical opportunities.
Unsure where to start applying or what to look for? We've got you covered.
Evaluating grants before committing to one can significantly increase your chances of success. Here are three things you should consider to get you started:
1. Your applicant entity type
Are you a non-profit organisation, a township, or a university-affiliated research laboratory? Identifying your entity type helps narrow your search to funding opportunities specifically designed for organisations like yours.
2. Your funding needs, goals, and objectives
Grants vary widely in purpose and scope. Some support research, while others fund service delivery, capacity building, or capital projects. Clearly defining your needs and objectives will help you target opportunities that align with your mission and intended outcomes.
3. Your eligibility
Assessing eligibility at the outset is critical: failing to meet even one mandatory requirement can result in automatic disqualification, regardless of the quality of your proposal. Reviewing this document thoroughly from the beginning helps you avoid wasting valuable time and resources on an application that does not meet the funder’s requirements.
Starting your funding journey
Do you know which grant you need?
There are several types of funding available, and understanding the purpose of each is the first step towards ensuring a successful outcome. Different grants are designed to support different needs, so it’s important to match the type of funding to your goals
Read on to learn more about the different types of grants available and determine which best suits your needs.
Types of funding available
By purpose
1. Project grants provide support for specific initiatives or programs, such as community projects, events, or targeted interventions. These grants are ideal when you have a clearly defined project with measurable outcomes.
2. Operational grants help cover the ongoing costs of running an organisation, including day-to-day expenses like rent, utilities, and salaries. It’s important to note that what counts as eligible operational costs can vary between funders, so always check the criteria carefully.
3. Capital grants fund essential infrastructure or equipment needs. This can include the purchase, construction, or renovation of buildings, facilities, or major equipment necessary for your organisation to operate effectively.
4. Research grants support scientific studies, academic research, or scholarship programmes. These grants often fund work that contributes new knowledge or provides financial assistance to students pursuing their education.
5. Seed or startup grants offer smaller amounts of funding to get early-stage or pilot projects off the ground. They are ideal for testing new ideas or launching initiatives with limited initial resources.
By funder
1. Government grants are provided by central government departments or local authorities and often focus on public services such as health, education, community development, and environmental initiatives. However, it's important to note that the eligibility criteria can be strict, and the application process may require detailed reporting and compliance with public sector standards.
2. Charitable or private grants come from UK-based trusts, foundations, or corporate social responsibility programmes. These grants are often more flexible than government funding and may support innovative projects, capacity building, community initiatives, or scholarships.
By allocation
1. Competitive grants: Awarded through a competitive application process, where applicants are evaluated against specific criteria, and only the strongest proposals receive funding.
2. Closed grants: Available by invitation only or restricted to members of certain organisations or networks.
3. Direct awards: Granted directly to individuals or organisations without a competitive process, often based on the funder’s discretion.
4. Formula grants: Allocated according to pre-determined, non-competitive criteria. If an organisation or individual meets the specified conditions, they are eligible to receive the grant. Examples include student maintenance grants from Student Finance England (SFE) or benefits like Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, which are calculated according to set formulas.
5. Matching grants: Require recipients to contribute funds of their own, which are then matched by the grant provider. This encourages co-investment and demonstrates commitment from the applicant.
Across the UK, eligibility for grants depends on both the type of funding and the funder’s requirements. While specific criteria vary, the following groups are commonly eligible to apply:
1. Nonprofit organisations and charities: Registered charities, community interest companies (CICs), and other nonprofit organisations are the primary recipients of most UK grants. They can apply for project-based funding, operational support, research grants, or capital funding.
2. Local authorities and public sector bodies: Councils, schools, NHS trusts, and other publicly funded organisations can often apply for government or foundation grants, particularly for community, educational, or health-related initiatives.
3. Academic and research institutions: Universities, research centres, and other educational institutions frequently apply for research grants or scholarship funding, often from government departments, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), or charitable foundations.
4. Social enterprises and small businesses: While less common, certain grants target social enterprises or small businesses with a community or social impact focus. These might fund pilot projects, innovation, or capacity building.
5. Individuals: Certain grants are available to individuals, particularly for scholarships, arts projects, or research fellowships. These are usually offered by foundations, trusts, or specific government programmes.
Who can apply for funding?
Who provides the funding?
In the UK, grants are typically awarded by:
- Government departments
- Local authorities
- Charitable foundations, or
- Private organisations
to support specific projects, operational costs, or research.
Not sure which grants you need? Speak to our advisors.
Transform your grant outcomes
If you want to secure grant funding, increase your chances of successful applications, or strengthen your grant-writing skills, our team is here to support you.
To find out more, arrange a consultation with one of our funding experts today.