The Fore – a not-for-profit venture philanthropy fund supporting exceptional small charities and social enterprises – is launching its new North West Summer Funding Round, marking the seventh year of grant distribution in the region.
At least 93% of the 11,300 charities registered in the North West of England turn over less than £500,000 per year and are reaching crisis point.
This leaves thousands of local people, who rely on essential support services for their wellbeing and livelihoods, at risk.
Nationally, of the 168,000 registered UK charities, small charities make up a substantial 92%, yet receive only 4% of total sector income.
North West Summer funding round 2024 launches today
Up to three local organisations will each be offered an unrestricted grant of £30,000, plus free access to a pro bono network of over 2,000+ professionals, skills training, peer to peer networks and impact measurement support.
The programme is open to charities, Charitable Incorporate Organisations (CIOs), Community Interest Companies (CICs), and Community Benefit Societies (CBSs) based in the North West of England, across any sector, with an annual turnover of under £500,000.
Christopher Kenna, local partner of The Fore, said: “There are so many incredible charities in the North West who need and deserve support to help unlock their full potential. We’ve seen how The Fore’s grants help boost financial resilience and ability to scale and so we are thrilled to offer support again this year. I urge small charities in the region to apply, the process is quick and really simple.”
The Fore expertly identifies the most innovative small charities and catalyses their impact. Across the UK, it has awarded over £9m through 555 grants, and provided over 18,000 hours of skills support.
In the North West alone, since 2018 The Fore has awarded almost £500,000 to more than 30 local organisations, including Mandem Meetup, Manchester Refugee Support Network, Just Psychology, Happy Smiles Training, All Ears Mental Health Awareness CIC, and Stable Lives.
How to apply
Register interest in applying for the 2024 funding round on this page from today (March 28) until noon on April 4. Grant decisions to be announced in July. To take an eligibility test, visit Who we fund – The Fore
